Health-related quality-of-life and behavioural outcome in survivors of childhood meningitis

Sumpter, R., Brunklaus, A., McWilliam, R. and Dorris, L. (2011) Health-related quality-of-life and behavioural outcome in survivors of childhood meningitis. Brain Injury, 25(13-14), pp. 1288-1295. (doi: 10.3109/02699052.2011.613090)

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Abstract

<p>Objective: To describe behavioural and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes in survivors of childhood meningitis and identify variables predictive of psychosocial outcome.</p> <p>Methods: Psychosocial outcomes were measured via parent and teacher report using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL Core&Fatigue versions). Participants were 334 consecutive survivors admitted to a regional children's hospital (1991–2007). One hundred and twelve of 346 (34%) returned postal questionnaires and file review confirmed diagnosis in 100 cases.</p> <p>Results: At a mean of 8 years post-illness 32% of parents and 19% of teachers reported clinically significant behavioural difficulties on the SDQ; along with significantly lowered HRQoL on PedsQL measures. Later sequelae such as learning disability and hearing/visual impairment, along with socioeconomic status, independently predicted behavioural and HRQoL outcome on regression analysis. Acute disease complications were associated with later occurrence of epilepsy, learning disability and visual impairment, but not directly with psychosocial outcomes at time of follow-up.</p> <p>Conclusions: Survivors with these sequelae should be screened for emotional and behavioural difficulties during key developmental transitions such as school entry. These findings strongly support recent UK clinical guidelines (NICE and SIGN) proposing that parents be made aware of possible psychological complications on discharge.</p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Sumpter, Dr Ruth and Dorris, Professor Liam
Authors: Sumpter, R., Brunklaus, A., McWilliam, R., and Dorris, L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Brain Injury
Publisher:Informa Healthcare
ISSN:0269-9052
ISSN (Online):1362-301X
Published Online:01 January 2011
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