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Childhood acute bacterial meningitis: risk factors for acute neurological complications and neurological sequelae

Sérgio A Antoniuk1, Fátima Hamdar, Renata D Ducci

  • 1Departamento de Pediatria, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil. antoniuk@uol.com.br

Jornal De Pediatria
|December 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Early detection of childhood bacterial meningitis complications is key. Warning signs include low neutrophil counts, seizures at admission, and Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, which can predict acute neurological issues and long-term sequelae.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Childhood acute bacterial meningitis poses significant risks for neurological damage.
  • Identifying early warning signs is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess acute neurological complications and sequelae of childhood acute bacterial meningitis.
  • To identify potential warning signs and risk factors for these neurological outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of children aged 1 month to 14 years with acute bacterial meningitis.
  • Evaluation of neurological complications, sequelae, and associated clinical and laboratory parameters.

Main Results:

  • 17 out of 44 patients (38.6%) experienced acute neurological complications, most commonly seizures (31.8%).
  • Risk factors for complications included Streptococcus pneumoniae infection (OR 6.4) and neutrophil count < 60%.
  • Neurological sequelae were observed in 14 out of 35 followed patients (40%), with behavioral changes being most frequent.

Conclusions:

  • Neutrophil count < 60%, seizure at admission, and S. pneumoniae are identified as warning signs for acute neurological complications.
  • Elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein, low CSF glucose/glycemia ratio, and seizure at admission are risk factors for neurological sequelae.
Abstract

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