Belgian Journal of Paediatrics
Pneumococcal Meningoencephalitis as Rare Complication of Ear infection in a 4-Month-old Girl: a Case Report
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Keywords

case report
children
Streptococcus pneumoniae
meningo-encephalitis
complication of ear infection

Categories

How to Cite

Deschamps, A., Van Molhem, S., Verschelde, A., Verhelst, H., & D’hont, A.-S. (2024). Pneumococcal Meningoencephalitis as Rare Complication of Ear infection in a 4-Month-old Girl: a Case Report. Belgian Journal of Paediatrics, 26(2), 143–145. Retrieved from http://belgjpaediatrics.com/index.php/bjp/article/view/262

Abstract

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of bacterial meningitis. It rarely causes more serious infections such as brain abscess, encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, or meningoencephalitis. We report a 4-month-old girl with a severe course of meningoencephalitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae as a complication of bilateral otitis media. She was treated with ceftriaxone, dexamethasone, multiple antiepileptic drugs, and neurosurgical drainage of subdural empyema. Gradual neurological improvement was observed. However, follow-up MRI revealed extensive cortical and subcortical damage with profound cerebral volume loss. This case illustrates that early recognition and timely appropriate treatment are crucial for a positive outcome.

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