CLINICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL OVERVIEW OF CONFIRMED CASES OF MENINGITIS IN THE BRAZILIAN PEDIATRIC POPULATION: 10-YEAR ANALYSIS

Abstract

Meningitis is a public health problem that can affect any age group, but is especially common in children, as its etiological agents are bacteria, viruses, parasites and, rarely, non-infectious causes. The majority of clinical symptoms present as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, hypotension and petechiae on the skin. Thus, the study aims to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of cases of meningitis, in Brazil, in pediatric patients, over 10 years. This is a descriptive, retrospective and quantitative study carried out using secondary data obtained by DATASUS and the Hospital Morbidity System (SINAN). The variables analyzed were: year of notification, capital of residence, age group, education level, color/race, sex, gestational period, type of dengue, confirmation criteria, evolution and hospitalization. Regarding the age range, individuals under 1 year old to 14 years old were considered. The most prevalent age group is preschool children between 1 and 4 years old (34.02%), male (59%), white (48.89%), residents of the State of São Paulo (40% ), confirming the diagnosis mainly through chemocytological examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, it is noted that the most prevalent etiology is viral. Therefore, carrying out additional investigations into the prevalence of meningitis in the Brazilian population is crucial for the development of public policies aimed at preventing and controlling the disease.