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Stroke Complicating Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis: A Retrospective Case-Controlled Cohort Analysis
Margot Price1, Sonja Farthing2, Sharon H Wong3
1Department of Neuroservices, Pediatric Neuroservices, Starship Child Health, Auckland, New Zealand.
Pediatric Neurology
|May 20, 2026
Summary
Pediatric bacterial meningitis can lead to stroke, increasing illness severity. Early neuroimaging and research into antithrombotic agents may improve outcomes for children experiencing stroke.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurocritical Care
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening infection in children.
- Stroke is a serious complication of bacterial meningitis, leading to worse outcomes.
- Understanding stroke in this context is crucial for improving pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and presentation of stroke in pediatric bacterial meningitis.
- To investigate the diagnostic methods and treatments used for stroke in affected children.
- To evaluate the neurological outcomes and mortality associated with stroke in pediatric bacterial meningitis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case-control study analyzed data from 2012-2022.
- Included were children (0-15 years) with confirmed bacterial meningitis and stroke.
- Controls were matched by age and causative organism.
Main Results:
- Stroke occurred in 13% of 540 pediatric bacterial meningitis cases.
- Stroke patients were more often male and from high-deprivation households.
- Arterial ischemic strokes were more common than venous strokes; associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Stroke following bacterial meningitis significantly increases morbidity in children.
- There may be an opportunity for primary stroke prevention.
- Further research on antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory agents is recommended.
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