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Sequelae at Hospital Discharge in 61 Children With Invasive Meningococcal Disease, Chile, 2009-2019
Cindy Arteta-Acosta1, Rodolfo Villena Martínez2,3, Maria Elena Santolaya de Pablo2,4
1From the Postgraduate Department, Doctorate in Health Science with Pediatrics Specialty, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|April 14, 2022
Summary
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in children often leads to significant long-term health issues, particularly neurological sequelae. Early detection and multidisciplinary follow-up are crucial for managing these severe infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is a severe infection with high fatality and sequelae rates.
- IMD poses a significant public health challenge due to its unpredictable nature and potential for long-term complications in survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the spectrum and prevalence of sequelae at hospital discharge in pediatric patients diagnosed with IMD between 2009 and 2019.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 61 pediatric patients with confirmed IMD across two hospitals.
- Data were collected retrospectively from 2009 to 2019, including clinical information and outcomes.
- Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with sequelae.
Main Results:
- Over 60% of pediatric IMD patients experienced at least one sequela, with neurological deficits being the most common (72%).
- Significant associations with sequelae included drowsiness, irritability, and meningeal signs during hospitalization.
- Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W (MenW) and B (MenB) were the predominant serogroups, with MenB and MenW showing a significant difference in osteoarticular sequelae.
Conclusions:
- IMD continues to be a critical public health concern in children, frequently resulting in neurological and other sequelae.
- The high incidence of sequelae underscores the need for urgent establishment of multidisciplinary follow-up protocols for affected children.
- Implementation of meningococcal conjugate vaccines has shown a decrease in IMD cases, highlighting the importance of vaccination programs.
