J Pediatr Infect Dis 2019; 14(01): 011-012
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1615785
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Growth Impairment in Acute Central Infectious Diseases

Mauro Bozzola
1   Paediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
,
Cristina Meazza
1   Paediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
,
Grazia Bossi
2   Department of Paediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
,
Patrizia Comoli
3   Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
,
Elena Bozzola
4   Pediatric and Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

22 December 2016

05 November 2017

Publication Date:
29 December 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Acute meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges affecting the pia, arachnoid, and subarachnoid space that still causes morbidity and mortality. Among the sequelae of meningitis, endocrine complications have been reported in patients recovering from acute central infectious diseases. Although the results of the studies are conflicting, the most common pituitary hormone deficiency during the acute phase or at 1-year follow-up evaluation is growth hormone deficiency, which results in growth impairment in children and a dysregulation of body composition and lipid metabolism throughout life. The mechanisms involved in growth failure secondary to meningitis are unknown. Therefore, endocrinological evaluation, including clinical, auxological, and hormonal assessments, should be performed during the acute phase of the infection and during recovery.