Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Pneumococcal meningitis in children: prognostic indicators and outcome

R F Kornelisse1, C M Westerbeek, A B Spoor

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Sophia Children's Hospital/University Hospital Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|December 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Pneumococcal meningitis in children has a 17% mortality rate, with neurological sequelae affecting 36% of survivors. Clinical signs like coma and shock predict poor outcomes in pediatric cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Pneumococcal meningitis remains a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality.
  • Understanding outcomes and predictive factors is crucial for improving pediatric care.
  • This study examines a cohort of children diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis over a 25-year period.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the mortality and sequelae rates in children with pneumococcal meningitis.
  • To identify clinical and laboratory factors associated with mortality and neurological sequelae.
  • To compare pediatric outcomes with those typically seen in adult populations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 83 children diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis between 1970 and 1994.
  • Data collection included patient demographics, clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and outcomes (mortality, sequelae).
  • Statistical analysis identified factors associated with mortality and sequelae.

Main Results:

  • Overall mortality rate was 17%, with significantly higher rates in secondary referrals (35%) compared to primary referrals (7%).
  • Neurological sequelae (25%) and hearing loss (19%) were observed in 36% of survivors.
  • Factors predicting mortality included coma, respiratory distress, shock, high CSF protein, low peripheral white blood cell count, and low serum sodium. Coma and low CSF glucose predicted sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • Pneumococcal meningitis in children has a lower mortality rate than in adults, who often succumb to cardiorespiratory failure.
  • Neurological sequelae are a major concern for surviving children.
  • Coma, respiratory distress, and shock are critical indicators for predicting severe outcomes in pediatric pneumococcal meningitis.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
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:
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
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...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...