Hearing impairment in Angolan children with acute bacterial meningitis with and without otitis media. (11th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lempinen, Laura; Laulajainen‐Hongisto, Anu; Aarnisalo, Antti A.; Bernardino, Luis; Peltola, Heikki; Pitkäranta, Anne; Pelkonen, Tuula; Jero, Jussi
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 111:Number 8(2022)
• Page Start: 1585
• Page End: 1593
• Publication Date: 2022-05-11
• Subjects: bacterial meningitis -- child -- hearing impairment -- otitis media -- otorrhoea; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.16383
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a common cause of hearing loss in childhood. Our aim was to investigate bacterial aetiology, hearing impairment and outcome in childhood BM with vs . without otitis media (OM) in Angola. Methods: Hearing was tested by auditory brainstem response in 391 (76%) children with confirmed BM. The bacteria identified from the ear discharge were compared to those from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The hearing findings were compared among children with vs . without OM on days 1 and 7 of hospitalization, and at follow‐ups of 1, 3 and 6 month(s). Results: No correlation was found in bacteriology between the ear discharge and CSF. On day 7 in hospital, hearing impairment (>40 dB) was common, regardless of whether concomitant OM or not (in 27% vs . 30%, respectively). Any hearing deficit on day 7 was associated with a higher risk of complicated or fatal clinical course (OR 2.76, CI95% 1.43–5.29, p = 0 . 002 ). Conclusion: No significant difference prevailed in hearing thresholds between children with or without OM in hospital on day 7 or at later follow‐ups. Any hearing impairment during hospital stay associated with a higher risk for complicated clinical course or death.