Mumps Meningoencephalitis in Stockholm November 1964 — July 1971: I. Analysis of a Hospitalized Study Group. Questions of Selection and Representativity

Abstract

During the period November 1964-July 1971 1126 patients with mumps were hospitalized at Roslagstull Hospital in Stockholm. Out of these, 727 had spinal pleocytosis and were considered to be cases of meningoencephalitis. The principles and process of patient selection are described in detail, and problems concerning representativity of the selected study group discussed. The group is further analyzed as to its age and sex composition, and an estimation is made of the rate of mumps meningoencephalitis to mumps in Stockholm. The present material appears to be reasonably representative only for cases with pronounced clinical signs of mumps meningoencephalitis, less for mumps meningoencephalitis in general. The incidence of meningoencephalitis is highest among mumps-infected children between 5-9 years, with a peak at 7 years for both sexes. The rate of males to females varies considerably between different age groups, being high (4:1) among the youngest children and low (1:1) among young adults.