Abstract

COTRIM, Joana et al. A 12 year experience in meningococcal disease in pediatric patients at Vila Real Hospital. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2011, vol.20, n.3, pp.119-123. ISSN 0872-0754.

Introduction: Meningococcal disease is an important illness in pediatric patients. In Portugal, the disease is mainly caused by serogroups B and C. The conjugate vaccine for meningococcus C is available since 2001 and is part of the National Immunization Program since January 2006. Objectives: To determine the frequency of meningococ­cal disease in the area of Vila Real Hospital, in order to identify aspects related to the disease and to discuss the impact of the introduction of serogroup C meningococcal vaccine. Material and methods. Retrospective study of the clinical files of patients admitted to the Pediatric unit of Vila Real Hospital during the period between January 1999 and December 2010, and analysis of variables related to the disease. Results: There were 36 cases of meningococcal disease. The highest frequency occurred in 2002, with seven cases, four of which by serogroup C and three by serogroup B meningococci. The most common diagnosis was of meningococcemia associated with meningitis, the agent was found mainly in the CSF and there were acute complications in 54,3% of the cases. The majority of patients was treated with ceftriaxone and no fatal cases were registered. Since 2006 there have been no cases due to serogroup C meningococci. Conclusion: The cases of meningococcal disease presented characteristics similar to those described in other studies. Serogroup C meningococcal vaccine had an impact on the local epidemiology of the disease. It is essential to maintain epidemio­logical surveillance of meningococcal disease.

Keywords : epidemiological surveillance; meningococcal disease; meningococcal vaccine; childhood.

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