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Clinical blindness in conjunction with childhood bacterial meningitis
Tuula Pelkonen1,2,3, Markku Kallio4, Terho Latvala5
1Pediatrics, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Stenbäckinkatu 9, 00029, Helsinki, Finland. tuulapelkonen@hotmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|September 19, 2023
Summary
Bacterial meningitis can cause childhood blindness, particularly in Angola where 10% of children were blind at discharge. Some vision loss was reversible, but blindness often accompanied other severe health issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bilateral vision loss is a rare but severe complication of childhood bacterial meningitis.
- Previous data on the frequency of this complication is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the frequency of bilateral vision loss in children treated for bacterial meningitis across different regions.
- To identify factors associated with vision loss and its reversibility.
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of data from five treatment trials conducted between 1984 and 2017 in Europe, Latin America, and Angola.
- Clinical blindness was diagnosed by experienced pediatricians based on specific criteria.
- Sight was assessed at discharge, with follow-up examinations at 1-3 months post-hospitalization and on day 7 in Angola.
Main Results:
- Overall, 1515 patients were included; 0% in Finland, 1.2% in Latin America, and 10% in Angola showed blindness at discharge.
- In Angola, 64 children were identified as blind on day 7, with 16 deaths.
- Approximately 40% of children with blindness at discharge in Angola regained sight by follow-up; blindness was associated with young age and poor general condition.
Conclusions:
- Childhood bacterial meningitis can lead to severe vision loss, with significantly higher rates observed in Angola.
- While some vision loss may be reversible, blindness often co-occurs with other serious sequelae in survivors.
- Early recognition and management of bacterial meningitis are crucial to mitigate severe complications like blindness.
