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Meningococcal disease in children: a clinical review

Ahmed Sabra1, Jonathan Benger

  • 1The Academic Department of Emergency Care, Bristol Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom.

The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|January 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal disease causes many child deaths globally. This review details severe meningococcal sepsis and septic shock management, aiming to improve outcomes for this critical pediatric infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Meningococcal disease is a significant global health threat, particularly impacting children.
  • It is a leading infectious cause of mortality in pediatric populations worldwide.
  • Current management strategies for severe meningococcal sepsis and septic shock are often suboptimal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of severe meningococcal sepsis and septic shock in children.
  • To synthesize current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical aspects of the condition.
  • To highlight challenges and potential improvements in the management and prediction of outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review article.
  • It synthesizes existing literature on meningococcal disease, focusing on severe sepsis and septic shock in pediatric patients.
  • The review covers epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, complications, management, and prediction strategies.

Main Results:

  • Meningococcal disease results in substantial global child mortality.
  • Severe meningococcal sepsis and septic shock present complex clinical challenges.
  • Suboptimal management practices necessitate further research and improved clinical guidelines.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of severe meningococcal sepsis and septic shock is crucial for reducing pediatric mortality.
  • Understanding the multifaceted aspects of the disease is key to improving patient outcomes.
  • Further advancements in prediction and treatment are needed to combat this infectious disease burden.

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