Study of Aseptic Meningitis in Canadian Children
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Bonita E, Chawla Rupesh, Langley Joanne M, Forgie Sarah E, Al-Hosni Mohammed, Baerg Krista, Husain Entesar, Strong James, Robinson Joan L, Allen Upton, Law Barbara J, Dobson Simon, Davies H Dele
Primary Institution: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Hypothesis
What are the seasonality, clinical features, and outcomes of aseptic meningitis in Canadian children?
Conclusion
Enterovirus is the predominant cause of aseptic meningitis in Canadian children, but many cases remain without an identified pathogen.
Supporting Evidence
- 233 cases of proven enteroviral meningitis were identified.
- 495 cases of clinical aseptic meningitis were recorded.
- 74 cases of possible aseptic meningitis were noted.
- Most cases occurred from July to October.
- Headache and photophobia were more common in older children.
Takeaway
This study looked at kids in Canada who got a type of meningitis called aseptic meningitis, finding that a virus called enterovirus is the most common cause.
Methodology
A retrospective chart review of children presenting with aseptic meningitis to eight Canadian pediatric hospitals over a two-year period.
Limitations
The study is not population-based and may not capture all cases of aseptic meningitis.
Participant Demographics
The majority of patients were male (60.5%) with a mean age of 7.3 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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