Meningococcal infections in children: a review of 100 cases

One hundred children with meningococcal infection diagnosed from January 1, 1985, to February 29, 1988, were reviewed. Clinical manifestations ranged from fever alone to fulminant septic shock with purpura fulminans. Twenty-nine percent of the children presented without skin lesions. Of the 55 patients with meningitis, 6 lacked cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities on initial lumbar puncture but cerebrospinal fluid cultures were positive. An overall case fatality rate of 10% was noted with the following poor prognostic indicators identified: hypothermia; seizures or shock on presentation; a total peripheral white blood cell count less than 5000/mm3; a platelet count less than 100,000/mm3; and the development of purpura fulminans. Meningococcal infections remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis (including meningitis) should be considered even in the absence of skin lesions or cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities.