There have been 235 cases of meningitis following cochlear implantation reported since 2002 to the CDC Database MAUDE (Manufacturer And User facility Device Experience), resulting in 28 fatalities. While a number of these cases had received a two piece electrode which may have been part of the cause, the withdrawal of that particular device has not prevented further cases from occurring. There are many potential etiological factors potentially involved in post-implantation bacterial meningitis: while some can be managed or eliminated, vaccination against the most prevalent causal organism, the streptococcus pneumoniae, appears to be a powerful tool against this uncommon but serious complication of cochlear implantation.
展开▼
