Outcome of meningitis among children less than 2-y-old in Haryana.

Incidence of neurological complications and disability following meningitis among children less than 2 y in a community setting in Haryana was assessed. Cases were enrolled from hospitals of in Yamunanagar district. They were first assessed for disability or neurological complications at their home by health workers 1 y after hospital discharge using standard WHO ten questionnaire screening tool, and then by medical officers; finally they were examined by a pediatrician. Eighty one children could be contacted from a total of 91 meningitis cases. Among these 16 children had died (case fatality ratio 19.7 %). Among 65 survivors, disability was observed in 11 (17 %), and neurological complications were found in 24 (37 %) children. Microcephaly (8.6 %), seizures (6.7 %), cerebral palsy, hemiparesis and development deficit (some with hearing impairment, and language delay) were the major disabilities/neurological complications.