Profile of children and adolescents hospitalized for aseptic meningitis in Mato Grosso, 2014–2023

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of children and adolescents hospitalized with aseptic meningitis in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, from 2014 to 2023, as well as the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: a retrospective study analyzing 231 hospitalizations recorded during the study period. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were evaluated, and statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info software. Results: the highest incidence occurred in 2014, with 67 reported cases (29,0%), followed by a progressive reduction in cases, particularly in 2020 (2,60%) and 2021 (2,16%), corresponding to the pandemic period. Aseptic meningitis predominated among males (58,87%), and most children and adolescents lived in urban areas (88,31%). Regarding contact with suspected or confirmed cases, 64,07% reported no known exposure. Among the clinical manifestations, fever (88,74%), vomiting (77,49%), headache (69,26%), neck stiffness (51,52%), and seizures (21,21%) were the most common. Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s signs were present in 7,36% of cases, while bulging fontanelle was observed in 6.49%. Cerebrospinal fluid cytochemical analysis was performed in 86.58% of cases, with most samples presenting a clear appearance (74,89%). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), although recommended, was used in only 0,87% of cases, and viral isolation in 0,43%. Clinical outcomes were favorable in most patients, with hospital discharge in 93,94% of cases, and a case fatality rate of 2,60%. Conclusion: Aseptic meningitis remained a relevant condition in the studied population. The reduction in cases during the pandemic period may reflect underreporting. Strengthening health surveillance and expanding the use of molecular diagnostic methods may improve diagnostic accuracy and help guide the clinical management of aseptic meningitis.