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The sequelae of group B beta-hemolytic streptococcal meningitis in early infancy
Insights
Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus causes increasing neonatal meningitis. While mortality was 17%, outcomes were better than other bacterial meningitis types, with few major long-term issues in survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Bacterial meningitis
- Pediatric neurology
Background:
- Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GBS) is an increasing cause of neonatal meningitis.
- Neonatal meningitis poses significant risks for mortality and long-term neurological impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mortality and morbidity associated with GBS meningitis in neonates.
- To compare the outcomes of GBS meningitis with other forms of neonatal bacterial meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 18 consecutive cases of neonatal meningitis caused by GBS.
- Evaluation of mortality rates and neurological/psychological outcomes in survivors.
- Comparison of survivors with control groups on various functional assessments.
Main Results:
- The study reported a 17% mortality rate among the 18 cases of GBS meningitis.
- Two of the 15 survivors experienced extensive neurological and psychological impairment.
- No significant differences were found in hearing, language, social skills, or psychological testing between survivors and controls, though minor neurological signs were more common in the GBS group.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal meningitis due to GBS has a lower mortality and morbidity rate compared to other bacterial meningitis types.
- While severe impairment occurred in some survivors, overall outcomes suggest a comparatively better prognosis for GBS meningitis.
- Continued surveillance and understanding of GBS meningitis are crucial for neonatal care.
Abstract:
The group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus is responsible for an escalating frequency of neonatal meningitis. Of the 18 consecutive cases we report in this study, the mortality was 17%. Among the 15 survivors, there were two children with extensive neurological and psychological impairment. There were no major differences between the survivors and controls in tests of hearing and language function, social skills, and psychological testing. There was a greater number of minor neurological signs among the study group. The mortality and morbidity of group B beta-hemolytic streptococcal meningitis is apparently substantially less than that of all other types of neonatal bacterial meningitis.