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Late sequelae after meningococcal disease. A controlled study in young men
Abstract:
The occurrence of sequelae 3-15 years after meningococcal disease has been investigated in a study on 71 patients and 64 controls. The patients were young men, aged 18 to 24 years at the time the disease was contracted. Participants filled in a questionnaire on possible symptoms. Audiometry and EEG were also carried out. The response rates were 84% among patients and 75% among controls. We found that 61% of the patients had one or more symptoms of possible sequelae compared to 20% in the control group (p less than 0.001). The symptoms were generally light and of mental or neurological type. Among the patients 13% stated that they had obvious complaints commonly attributed to meningococcal disease, compared to 2% only in the controls (p less than 0.05). Twenty-nine per cent of the patients stated that the disease had affected their education or working capacity. No statistical differences between patients and controls were demonstrated by audiological or EEG examinations. In only one single ear could deafness unequivocally be attributed to the disease.
Insights
Young men who contracted meningococcal disease often experience long-term sequelae, with 61% reporting symptoms like mental or neurological issues. These long-term effects impacted education and work capacity for many survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Meningococcal disease can lead to long-term health issues (sequelae).
- Understanding the prevalence and nature of these sequelae is crucial for patient management and public health.
- Previous research has not fully detailed the long-term neurological and mental health consequences in young adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and type of sequelae in young men 3-15 years after meningococcal disease.
- To compare the prevalence of symptoms between patients and a control group.
- To assess the impact of sequelae on education and working capacity.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 71 patients and 64 controls (young men aged 18-24 at disease onset).
- Data collection via questionnaires on symptoms, audiometry, and electroencephalogram (EEG).
- Statistical analysis to compare outcomes between patients and controls.
Main Results:
- 61% of patients reported sequelae symptoms versus 20% of controls (p < 0.001).
- Common symptoms were mild and of a mental or neurological type.
- 29% of patients reported an impact on education or working capacity; audiological/EEG showed no significant differences.
- 13% of patients had obvious complaints attributed to meningococcal disease, compared to 2% of controls (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Meningococcal disease is associated with a high prevalence of long-term mental and neurological sequelae in young men.
- While audiological and EEG findings were not significantly different, subjective complaints and functional impairments are common.
- Early recognition and management of potential sequelae are important for improving long-term outcomes.