Sequelae one year after meningococcal disease

Of 99 consecutive patients with meningococcal disease, 6 died during the acute stage. The 93 survivors were examined one year after hospitalization. 21 (40%) of the adults and 6 (15%) of the children had definite sequelae, and an additional 27% and 11% possible sequelae. 6 adults (12%) and 1 child (2%) had definite neurological sequelae. Electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities were observed in 7 adults (14%) and 2 children (5%). Epileptogenic activity was present in 3 of these, but none had experienced seizures. 8 adults (19%) and 5 children (14%) had sensorineural hearing loss or impaired vestibular function. Cerebral computerized tomography (CT) scan showed definite and possible abnormalities in 1 (3%) and 6 (18%), respectively, of the 34 patients tested. Neuropsychological tests were performed in 9 patients, 2 of these showed definite impairment. The frequency of neurological abnormalities was higher than in many previous studies, probably reflecting the more comprehensive examinations performed in the present study. However, only 3 patients had serious sequelae. The results suggest that the occurrence of sequelae after meningococcal disease is related to the severity of the acute disease. This may explain the higher rate of sequelae in adults, who have a higher proportion of seriously ill patients. The presence of meningitis is not required for the occurrence of neurological sequelae.