EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF MENINGITIS IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION OF PARANÁ BETWEEN 2007 AND 2022

Abstract

Objective: to describe the epidemiological profile of the pediatric population in Paraná with meningitis. Methods: a descriptive and retrospective study of notifications of meningitis cases present in SINAN between the years 2007-2022 was carried out, restricting it to patients aged 0 to 19 years in Paraná – Brazil. Results: 16,418 cases were reported, with 2007 having the highest number and there was a practically stable incidence between 2008-2019 with an average of 1,017 cases. As of 2020, there was a drop of approximately 61.5% compared to previous years, with 2019 corresponding to the year with the lowest number. Furthermore, the highest incidence was identified in those under 9 years of age (82.5%; n:13545), male (59.58%; n:9782), white race (87.94%; n: 11726) and viral etiology (65%; n: 10656). The age with the highest rate of death was in children under 1 year (40%; n:222) and the etiology with the greatest lethality was related to bacterial causes (MB – n:140, MCC – n:93; MP – n: 91). In relation to evolution, the lethality rate showed a drop over the years, with the highest rate in 2009 at 5.17% (n: 46) and the lowest in 2019 at 2.28% (n: 27). Conclusion: It was noted that the COVID-19 pandemic was an important factor in the decrease in cases from 2020 onwards. Furthermore, it was observed that meningitis presents itself as a health problem in the studied population and that tracing the epidemiological profile of this group is essential for appropriate measures to be adopted.