Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects over 3 million Americans, and children under the age of five are one of the most vulnerable groups. Group B streptococcal (GBS) infections are a common cause of serious bacterial infections in newborns, including meningitis and sepsis. Recently, a new study revealed that children who contract GBS meningitis during infancy are at a higher risk of developing epilepsy later in life. However, the same association isn’t seen with GBS sepsis, which has important implications for clinical diagnosis and management of epilepsy in children. In this article, we will delve deeper into the findings of the study and discuss what this means for parents and healthcare providers.
A new study in Denmark has linked invasive Group B Streptococcus (iGBS) meningitis in early infancy to the increased risk of epilepsy in early childhood. The study found that the cumulative risk for epilepsy up to 22 years of age was 3.6% for people who contracted iGBS meningitis or sepsis in the first three months of life, compared with 2.3% in a control group without an iGBS diagnosis. However, the bulk of the increased risk was found in the first five years of life, with no significant risk observed thereafter. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, included over 1,400 neonates who received a diagnosis of iGBS meningitis or sepsis and were matched against a control group. The increased risk was driven entirely by meningitis, indicating that epilepsy should be added to the list of neurological outcomes following iGBS disease in early infancy.
The researchers noted that prior studies investigating the relationship between iGBS and epilepsy were typically small and focused on meningitis, while the current research “addresses an important epidemiological question, particularly for iGBS sepsis.” The study also found that the incidence rates for epilepsy in childhood were higher among boys, preterm infants, and babies born to lower-income mothers.
iGBS disease is a leading cause of neonatal mortality worldwide and has been linked to maternal death, stillbirth, and neurodevelopmental impairment. In 2020, there were an estimated 20 million pregnant women with Group B Streptococcus rectovaginal colonization worldwide, with an estimated 500,000 cases of iGBS disease that occurred in neonates within three months of birth.
The findings have implications for estimating the global burden of iGBS disease and should be taken into consideration regarding the cost-effectiveness of interventions such as intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis and maternal vaccination. The study also highlighted the need for better long-term follow-up and care for affected individuals.
Limitations of the study included the possibility of missed iGBS cases and the lack of accounting for childhood accidents or infectious diseases following hospital admission for iGBS.
It is crucial for parents and caregivers to be vigilant and informed about the health risks associated with group B strep meningitis in infants. Early detection and prompt treatment of meningitis can make all the difference in preventing long-term damage or even death. While it is alarming to learn about the link between kids’ epilepsy and group B strep meningitis, it is important to remain proactive and maintain open communication with healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for children affected by this condition. Through continued research and education, we can work towards improving the lives of those impacted by epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
