Análise das complicações da meningite bacteriana

Abstract

Bacterial meningitis, a severe infection of the brain's membranes, requires immediate treatment. Furthermore, major etiological agents include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Additionally, risk factors such as age group and immunosuppression influence its incidence. Objective: Therefore, this study aims to analyze the short and long-term complications of bacterial meningitis. Methodology: The adopted methodology was an exploratory literature review to analyze bacterial meningitis complications. Databases such as PMC, LILACS, Google Scholar, and SciELO were utilized for articles published between 2014 and 2024 in English or Portuguese. Inadequate studies were excluded, resulting in 89 relevant peer-reviewed documents analyzed. This rigorous approach yielded valuable insights into complications and prognosis. Results and Discussion: Bacterial meningitis can lead to a range of complications, both short and long-term. Common short-term complications include cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, seizures, sepsis, and hearing impairment, while less common ones include cerebral venous thrombosis, brain abscesses, and Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. Long-term complications highlight hearing loss, developmental delay, neurological disorders, behavioral problems, and chronic fatigue, along with less frequent complications such as chronic hydrocephalus, post-meningitis syndrome, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and psychiatric disorders. These complications require specialized medical care to minimize their impact on the patient's quality of life. Conclusion: Understanding the short and long-term complications of bacterial meningitis is crucial for directing research and innovations in the field. Studies on new therapies and support strategies can improve the treatment and prevention of disease consequences. Furthermore, vaccination and public awareness are essential for controlling its spread.