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[Incidence and characteristics of childhood suppurative meningitis in Hungary in 1983-87]

G Nyerges, Z Mészner

    Orvosi Hetilap
    |December 3, 1989
    PubMed

    Insights

    Purulent meningitis is most common in infants, with high mortality and neurologic sequelae, particularly in newborns. Despite appropriate antibacterial therapy, mortality rates remain high, necessitating further investigation into causative factors and prevention strategies.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Epidemiology

    Context:

    • Purulent meningitis poses a significant health threat to infants and children.
    • Analysis of 1208 hospitalized cases reveals age-specific incidence and etiological distribution.
    • High mortality and sequelae rates, especially in newborns, warrant further investigation.

    Purpose:

    • To analyze the incidence, etiology, mortality, and sequelae of purulent meningitis in a pediatric population.
    • To compare mortality rates with international data and identify specific high-risk groups.
    • To explore reasons for high mortality despite appropriate antibacterial therapy and propose recommendations.

    Summary:

    • Meningitis incidence is highest in children under one year (97.5/100,000) and newborns (3.7/10,000 live births).
    • Etiology included N. meningitidis (23%), H. influenzae (14%), S. pneumoniae (13%), E. coli (6%), B-group streptococcus (5%), and unknown (30%).
    • Overall case fatality was 19.6%, with significantly higher rates in newborns (53%) and specific bacterial infections (e.g., E. coli 48%). Neurologic sequelae affected 17% of patients, rising to 54% in newborns.

    Impact:

    • Highlights the critical need for improved prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric purulent meningitis.
    • Identifies newborns and specific bacterial pathogens as key targets for reducing mortality and morbidity.
    • Provides data to inform public health policies and clinical guidelines for managing this severe infection.

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