Ten years' experience of Haemophilus influenzae infection at Birmingham Children's Hospital

A survey of serious infections due to Haemophilus influenzae, in the years 1973-1984, was made at the Birmingham Children's Hospital. Eight-three cases were recorded, comprising 42 of meningitis, 18 of septicaemia, 16 of epiglottitis and seven of septic arthritis or osteomyelitis. The mortality rate for meningitis and septicaemia was 5%, but no child with epiglottitis or septic arthritis died. The data are compared with those of American studies. The incidence of severe haemophilus infection in the inner city area of Birmingham was estimated to be at least 1 in 950 children during the period of the study.