Antibiotic Therapy Reduces Complications Of Unsuspected Meningococcal Disease

A study by researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital reviewed the records of 441 children who were ultimately diagnosed with meningococcal disease. While most children with meningococcal disease show obvious signs of the disease and are hospitalized, some may have fever as their only symptom and be discharged to home. Of the 58 children in this study who fell into the latter category, those who received antibiotic therapy at their outpatient visit developed fewer complications than those who received no antibiotic therapy.The study was presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in New Orleans, May 1-5. For interviews during the meeting, contact the press room at (504) 670-8502 or 670-8508.Researchers’ Institutional Contact: Office of Public Affairs (617) 355-6420