Longer term outcomes following serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease

Aim: To characterise the physical, psychological, and quality of life burden associated with serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in children.

Methods: Children aged up to 14 years at the time of serogroup B IMD, who were admitted to intensive care units of two tertiary paediatric hospitals in New South Wales, Australia between January 2009 and December 2013 were recruited. Children underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessments up to 6 years post-disease.

Results: Eleven children were assessed, with a median age of 16 months (range 4-46 months) at time of disease. The median follow-up time was 50 months (range 10-67 months). Seven (63.6%) cases had one or more long-term sequelae involving permanent and evolving physical disability. Three cases had ongoing medical conditions including two with seizures and one with ataxia and hypermetropia. Five required ongoing medical and allied health care. Other complications identified included anxiety, speech delay, low average full-scale IQ score (median 85, interquartile range 89-103) and borderline memory impairment.

Conclusions: Serogroup B IMD is associated with significant long-term morbidity and burden on the child and family with substantial economic implications. The impact of this on the total cost of IMD needs to be further quantified, and better considered in vaccine cost-effectiveness analyses.