PSYCHOLOGICAL SEQUELAE TO BACTERIAL MENINGITIS: TWO CONTROLLED STUDIES

Abstract

Two controlled studies concern the results of standardized psychological test assessment of long-term sequelae of bacterial meningitis in school age children who were ill before age 3. In the first group, each survivor was matched with a near-age, nonmeningitic sibling. Results of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children indicated that the mean IQ of the post-meningitic children was 86; control children, 97 (p = < .05). Comparison of each subject with his control revealed that six (29%) were 15 IQ points (1 standard deviation) below the control. In two (10%) the difference exceeded 30 IQ points (2 standard deviations). There were six subjects with IQ scores higher than controls but none by 15 points. The second investigation compared survivors who were considered to be entirely normal with matched peers in the same classroom. Results of the dependent measures-Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities, the Frostig Developmental Test of Visual Perception, and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-all indicated that the post-meningitic children functioned at significantly lower levels than their nonmeningitic peers. It was concluded that both groups of survivors were damaged by the disease. The evidence supports the need for prevention rather than reliance upon cure of meningitis.