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Published on: February 23, 2014

Factors Associated With Mortality Among Hospitalized Children With Acute Bacterial Meningitis in a Resource-Limited

Nabil Aljuma'ai1, Faisal Ahmed2, Mohammed Almogahed3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Ibb University, Ibb, YEM.

Cureus
|December 31, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in children is a major concern in Yemen. Factors like young age, malnutrition, and delayed treatment significantly increase the risk of mortality in pediatric ABM cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) poses a significant public health challenge in developing nations, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Yemen.
  • Political instability in Yemen exacerbates challenges in tracking ABM prevalence, etiology, and treatment access.
  • This study focuses on identifying factors linked to mortality among hospitalized children diagnosed with ABM in a resource-limited environment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the key factors associated with mortality in children hospitalized with acute bacterial meningitis in Yemen.
  • To provide insights into improving outcomes for pediatric ABM in resource-constrained settings.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted from March 2018 to December 2023 at Althora General Hospital, Yemen.
  • Included 387 children under 15 years old diagnosed with ABM, confirmed bacteriologically.
  • Data on patient and cerebrospinal fluid characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses to determine factors associated with mortality.

Main Results:

  • The study included 387 children, with a median age of 1 year; 55% were under one year old, and 61.2% were male.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae was the predominant pathogen (99%). Mortality was observed in 3.9% of cases.
  • Multivariate analysis identified younger age, malnutrition, altered mental status, and delayed hospitalization (>5 days) as significant predictors of mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Early detection of predisposing factors for ABM is crucial for improving prognosis.
  • Younger age, delayed hospitalization, malnutrition, and altered mental status are associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality in pediatric ABM.
Abstract

Keywords:
acute bacterial meningitischildrenibbmortalityresource-limited settingyemen

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