CNS Complication of Group A Streptococcal Meningitis in Children: a Comprehensive Case-Based Literature Review

Surya N. Gupta*, Vikash S. Gupta and Nirali Borad

CNS Complication of Group A Streptococcal Meningitis in Children: a Comprehensive Case-Based Literature Review

Group A Streptococcus pyogenes meningitis rarely results in central nervous system
complication. Chronic hydrocephalus is a well-known complication of bacterial meningitis.

To date, no reports have focused on acute central nervous system complications and neurological
outcome of Group A Streptococcus pyogenes meningitis.

An unusual association of acute hydrocephalus requiring emergent neurosurgical
intervention in a 6-year-old girl with Group
A Streptococcus meningitis is presented.

Based on reported cases since 1966, authors present
the results of a comprehensive acute neurological complication and outcome.

Our report highlights a need for vigilance and timely needed emergent surgical intervention in minimizing
acute hydrocephalus in children with Group A Streptococcus meningitis.

Streptococcal infections are common in children. Unlike Group B Streptococci
septicemia,
1 Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes) typically affects children beyond the neonatal period. Occasionally, this causes acute meningitis, glomerulonephritis, or rheumatic heart
disease.
Group A Streptococcus infection is a rare cause of bacterial meningitis. Hydrocephalus is a relatively rare complication of acute bacterial meningitis in children.

Nonetheless, it has
been reported in 20% of infants and children. Acute Central Nervous System (CNS) complications including hydrocephalus are not unique to Stretococcus pyogenes causing meningitis.
They have been reported in children with viral and other bacterial meningitis.

We report an unusual association of acute hydrocephalus in a 6-year-old girl with
Group A Streptococcal meningitis and provide the results of a comprehensive literature review on acute CNS complications and neurological outcome in children 17years and under.

Neuro Open J. 2015; 2(1): 31-37. doi: 10.17140/NOJ-2-108