Repository logo
 

Neurodevelopmental Impairment in Children After Group B Streptococcal Disease Worldwide: Systematic Review and Meta-analyses.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Kohli-Lynch, Maya 
Russell, Neal J 
Seale, Anna C 
Dangor, Ziyaad 
Tann, Cally J 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Survivors of infant group B streptococcal (GBS) disease are at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), a burden not previously systematically quantified. This is the 10th of 11 articles estimating the burden of GBS disease. Here we aimed to estimate NDI in survivors of infant GBS disease. METHODS: We conducted systematic literature reviews (PubMed/Medline, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature [LILACS], World Health Organization Library Information System [WHOLIS], and Scopus) and sought unpublished data on the risk of NDI after invasive GBS disease in infants <90 days of age. We did meta-analyses to derive pooled estimates of the percentage of infants with NDI following GBS meningitis. RESULTS: We identified 6127 studies, of which 18 met eligibility criteria, all from middle- or high-income contexts. All 18 studies followed up survivors of GBS meningitis; only 5 of these studies also followed up survivors of GBS sepsis and were too few to pool in a meta-analysis. Of meningitis survivors, 32% (95% CI, 25%-38%) had NDI at 18 months of follow-up, including 18% (95% CI, 13%-22%) with moderate to severe NDI. CONCLUSIONS: GBS meningitis is an important risk factor for moderate to severe NDI, affecting around 1 in 5 survivors. However, data are limited, and we were unable to estimate NDI after GBS sepsis. Comparability of studies is difficult due to methodological differences including variability in timing of clinical reviews and assessment tools. Follow-up of clinical cases and standardization of methods are essential to fully quantify the total burden of NDI associated with GBS disease, and inform program priorities.

Description

Keywords

Group B Streptococcus, disability, estimate, impairment, infants, Developmental Disabilities, Global Health, Humans, Infant, Meningitis, Bacterial, Risk Factors, Streptococcal Infections, Streptococcus agalactiae

Journal Title

Clin Infect Dis

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1058-4838
1537-6591

Volume Title

65

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)
Sponsorship
Meningitis Research Foundation (CH/LG/GC 13020)