title: Cochlear implantation and meningitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Study clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of cochlear implant patients diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Cochlear implantation in children is necessary for the optimal development of speech in the developing child diagnosed with profound sensorineural hearing loss. Approximately 60,000 devices have been inserted in adults and children worldwide to date.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology of a tertiary care children's hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients undergoing cochlear implantation from April 1997 were identified. Patients diagnosed with bacterial meningitis after implantation were selected for study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 30 children, two developed bacterial meningitis after cochlear implantation. One patient developed Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis. One patient developed nontypable Haemophilus influenzae bacterial meningitis. Both patients made a complete recovery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prompt diagnosis and treatment of meningitis is essential to optimize outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA. vcallanan@ent.temple.edu
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Callanan
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Poje
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008583:Meningitis, Haemophilus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008586:Meningitis, Pneumococcal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications