School-Age Consequences of Haemophilus influenzae Type b Meningitis

Abstract

Divided 126 school-age children who had been treated earlier in life for Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) meningitis into subgroups with and without neurologic complications, and compared these groups to each other and to sibling controls. Outcomes assessed included neuropsychological abilities, behavioral adjustment, school performance, and adaptive behavior. Analyses revealed that outcomes were less favorable for the postmeningitis (PM) children with complications than for either PM children without complications or siblings. Differences were apparent in neuropsychological testing, teacher ratings of behavior, and a measure of adaptive behavior. PM children without complications were indistinguishable from siblings. Although analyses failed to show variation between groups as a function of sex or age at testing, differences on one verbal measure were found only at lower socioeconomic levels. Findings clarify the school-age consequences of Hib meningitis and document the need to consider disease and social variables in evaluating the impact of early neurologic disease on development.