Evaluation of meningococcal disease patient admittedin our clinics

SUMMARYMeningococcal diseases are widely seen throughout the world and highlymortal. It is also an important health issue in Turkey especially in childhood.We have planned a retrospective study in order to determine the mortalityand the factors affecting mortality for the diseases caused by meningococcus sp.143 patients admitted for meningococcal diseases in the Pediatrics ward of DicleUniversity Medical Faculty Hospital between years 2000-2005 were evaluated.43.4% of the patient were female and 56.6 were male. Mean age was 3.89±2.93years.Patients were evaluated for epidemiological, clinical and laboratoryfindings. Prognosis and the factors affecting the prognosis were searched.Mortality was found higher for the patients in the first two years of life. Criteria likefever, absence of meningitis, leukopenia, trombocytopenia, presence of petechialrush, consciousness, high levels of sedimentation were related with mortality andthe findings were compared with previous research reports. Mortality in ourpatients were 20.3%.Seasonal distribution, socioeconomical and cultural factors were found tobe related with the prevelance of the disease.Importance of early diagnosis and treatment of the disease was mentionedbecause of the high mortality and possible precaution measures were discussed.