Stroke in community-acquired bacterial meningitis: a Danish population-based study
Jacob Bodilsen1, Michael Dalager-Pedersen1, Henrik Carl Schønheyder2
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Mølleparkvej 4, PO Box 365, 9100 Aalborg, Denmark.
Summary
Stroke is a common complication in community-acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM), leading to worse outcomes. Atherosclerosis risk factors did not appear to influence stroke occurrence in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Stroke is a severe complication of community-acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM).
- The incidence, predisposing factors, and outcomes of stroke in CABM require further investigation, particularly concerning atherosclerosis risk factors.
- Understanding these aspects is crucial for managing CABM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence, predisposing factors, and outcomes of stroke in adult patients with CABM.
- To investigate the association between pre-existing atherosclerosis risk factors and stroke in CABM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective population-based cohort study in the North Denmark Region from 1998 to 2010.
- Inclusion of all patients over 16 years of age diagnosed with CABM.
- Data retrieved from patient records; unfavourable outcome defined as Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1-4, favourable as 5.
Main Results:
- 152 episodes of CABM were identified; 22 (14%) patients experienced a stroke (15 ischemic, 3 hemorrhagic, 4 combined).
- Stroke was not significantly associated with age or atherosclerosis risk factors.
- Stroke was linked to higher in-hospital mortality (27% vs. 16%), unfavourable outcomes (86% vs. 37%), and long-term sequelae (88% vs. 40%) among survivors.
Conclusions:
- Stroke is a frequent complication in adult CABM patients.
- Stroke in CABM is associated with increased mortality, unfavourable outcomes, and long-term sequelae.
- Stroke occurrence in CABM does not appear to be related to atherosclerosis risk factors.
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