Key result
A systematic review of 14 studies found that most children have good clinical outcomes following viral meningitis, though specific cohorts showed sequelae such as a 14% rate of neurodevelopmental delay after human parechovirus meningitis.
Why the study?
Viruses are the most common cause of childhood meningitis, but outcomes beyond hospital discharge remain poorly described.
What are the long-term outcomes beyond hospital discharge in children <16 years old following viral meningitis?
Population
Children <16 years old with viral meningitis across 14 included studies
Design
Systematic literature review
Follow-up
Beyond hospital discharge
Authors
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Reassures clinicians of favorable long-term outcomes in most children after viral meningitis; leaves open precise sequelae burden and need for prospective studies.
Systematic Review
What are the long-term outcomes beyond hospital discharge in children <16 years old following viral meningitis?
While most children have good clinical outcomes following viral meningitis, limited data suggest some may experience neurodevelopmental sequelae, highlighting the need for robust long-term studies.
Hudson et al. (2019) conducted a systematic review in Viral meningitis. Viral meningitis vs. Unexposed controls or bacterial meningitis was evaluated on Long-term clinical and neurodevelopmental outcomes beyond hospital discharge. A systematic review of 14 studies found that most children have good clinical outcomes following viral meningitis, though specific cohorts showed sequelae such as a 14% rate of neurodevelopmental delay after human parechovirus meningitis.
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