Monitoring
In hospital
Monitor children and young people closely after admission to hospital for signs of deterioration; focus on:[2]
Respiration
Pulse
Blood pressure
Oxygen saturation
Glasgow Coma Scale score [ Glasgow Coma Scale Opens in new window ]
In children unable to give a verbal response (in practice, those aged under 2 years), use the Glasgow Coma Scale with modification for children, or assess using focal neurological signs.[2] Glasgow Coma Scale: modification for children Opens in new window
Be aware that children and young people with bacterial meningitis (particularly meningococcal meningitis) can deteriorate rapidly regardless of the results of any initial assessment of severity.[2] See Meningococcal disease.
Long-term
Offer a formal audiological assessment as soon as possible, within 4 weeks of being fit to test, and preferably before discharge from hospital.[2]
If the child or young person has severe or profound deafness, offer an urgent assessment for cochlear implants as soon as they are fit to undergo testing.[2] See Assessment of hearing loss.
Ensure children and young people are reviewed by a paediatrician (with the results of their hearing test) 4-6 weeks after hospital discharge to discuss morbidities associated with their condition and be offered referral to appropriate services.[2]
Although formal testing for cognitive, academic, and behaviour problems is not generally necessary, it is important to monitor the child's progress over time. All patients should be reviewed once a year to detect any long-term complications.
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