Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
08:27

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat

Published on: October 29, 2014

Prognostic factors related to sequelae in childhood bacterial meningitis: data from a Greek meningitis registry

Vasiliki A Vasilopoulou1, Maria Karanika, Kalliopi Theodoridou

  • 1Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly, Larissa 41221, Greece.

BMC Infectious Diseases
|August 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis (BM) in children can lead to serious complications. Identifying risk factors like seizures and low CSF glucose helps predict sequelae in survivors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a severe childhood illness with potential for lasting complications.
  • Survivors of pediatric BM frequently experience neurological deficits and other sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate risk factors associated with sequelae in children diagnosed with acute bacterial meningitis.
  • To identify prognostic factors that predict the development of sequelae in pediatric BM survivors.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 2,477 pediatric patients (1 month to 14 years) hospitalized with acute bacterial meningitis between 1974 and 2005.
  • Utilized univariate and multivariate analyses to assess clinical, laboratory, and etiological parameters in relation to sequelae.
  • Examined acute complications such as arthritis and subdural effusion, though not included in the final sequelae model.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of acute complications was 6.8%, while the rate of sequelae among survivors was 3.3%.
  • Key risk factors for sequelae included seizures, absence of hemorrhagic rash, low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose, high CSF protein, and specific meningitis etiologies.
  • A combination of prognostic factors (seizures, low CSF glucose, high CSF protein, positive blood culture, absence of petechiae) indicated a 41.7% absolute risk of sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • Prognostic factors for sequelae in childhood BM can aid in patient selection for intensive therapy.
  • Identifying these factors may facilitate the development of novel treatment strategies for pediatric bacterial meningitis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...