[Arthralgia and urticaria as immune-complex mediated complications after meningitis with meningococci group B].
A 4-year-old boy was treated for an infection with a meningococcus type B. After a few days of recovery, he felt ill again on day 6. The patient had urticaria and arthralgia without arthritis. The infection parameters did not normalize or increase in severity. No abnormalities other than a lowered CH50 value were found in the extensive diagnostic tests performed. The diagnosis of immune-complex mediated complications following a meningococcal infection was made. The patient was sent home where he continued pain relief and physiotherapy treatment. After 2 months at outpatient follow-up, he showed complete recovery and the CH50 value had returned to normal. Other immune-complex mediated complications of meningococcal infection are arthritis, episcleritis, pericarditis, myocarditis and pleuritis. These occur in 6-15% of the patients with a meningococcal infection. Early recognition prevents unnecessary extensive and costly diagnostic testing as well as a longer than necessary hospital stay.
Streekziekenhuis Koningin Beatrix, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Beatrix-park 1, 7101 BN Winterswijk.
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Maaijwee
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van Daalen
D018771:Arthralgia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008585:Meningitis, Meningococcal / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology*; D014581:Urticaria / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology