# Outcomes in Children With Enterovirus Meningitis in London, England: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study, 2013–2023

## TL;DR

This study examines long-term outcomes of children with enterovirus meningitis in London and identifies factors linked to adverse outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into risk factors for adverse outcomes in children with enterovirus meningitis.

## Key findings

- Absence of fever, seizures, and comorbidities were associated with adverse outcomes.
- Most infants under 3 months of age fully recovered from enterovirus meningitis.
- The findings can help improve clinical counseling and care pathways for affected children.

## Abstract

Nonpolio enteroviruses are the most common cause of meningitis in children. We conducted a retrospective case series of long-term outcomes in 243 children between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2023 across 4 tertiary centers in London. Adverse outcomes were associated with the absence of fever at presentation (odds ratio [OR], 4.65; 95% CI, 1.03–20.83), the presence of seizures (OR, 7.40; 95% CI, 1.05–51.96), and the presence of comorbidities at baseline (OR, 5.27; 95% CI, 1.18–23.47). Full recovery was seen in 153 of 160 (95.6%) children who were <3 months of age. These data may help clinicians to counsel parents and policy makers on streamlining care pathways following hospital discharge.