Brainstem auditory evoked potentials following meningitis in children

Abstract

The report concerns findings for brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) recorded in 116 children, aged between a few days and 7 years, having suffered from bacterial meningitis. 26% of cases occurred between birth and 6 months, 55% between 6 months and 2 years, and 19% after 2 years of age. Hemophilus was the most common bacteria (49%), followed by Pneumococcus (22%) and Meningococcus (15%). Neurological complications were found in 30% of the meningitis cases and accounted for 85% of all complications found. 29% of BAEPs were abnormal, of which 47% revealed transmission, 32% endocochlear and 21% retrocochlear impairment. Transmission impairment mainly occurred before the age of 2 years (88%), most frequently in meningococcus meningitis cases (44%), and independently of neurological complications. Retrocochlear impairment was found in association with neurological complications in 71% of cases. Endocochlear BAEP damage was found in 9.5% of cases, half of which were bilateral and total, representing cophosis: it was found at all ages, and without any particular associated neurological complication. Hemophilus was the commonest bacterial agent in endocochlear cases overall, with Pneumococcus underlying 50% of cophosis cases. The study shows BAEP recording in association with a clinical ear examination is useful following childhood bacterial meningitis, screening for definitive endocochlear and deafness, distinguishing total from partial hearing-loss and indicating suitable treatment.