Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

A Controlled Mouse Model for Neonatal Polymicrobial Sepsis
14:54

A Controlled Mouse Model for Neonatal Polymicrobial Sepsis

Published on: January 27, 2019

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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
Antithrombotic therapyBacterial meningitisPediatricsSeizureStroke

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...