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Severe forms of tick-borne encephalitis in children
M Cizman1, R Rakar, B Zakotnik
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|July 27, 1999
Summary
Severe tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in children can lead to lasting neurological issues, particularly in school-aged boys with focal encephalitis. Immunization is recommended in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a significant viral infection.
- Severe TBE cases in children require intensive care.
- Pediatric TBE data, especially from intensive care units (ICUs), is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review severe TBE cases in children treated in the ICU.
- To identify risk factors and outcomes of severe pediatric TBE.
- To inform prevention strategies like vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric patients (0-15 years) hospitalized with severe TBE.
- Data collected from 1993-1998 at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Analysis of ICU admissions, clinical presentation, and follow-up neurological sequelae.
Main Results:
- Seven children (5.2%) were admitted to the ICU out of 133 TBE hospitalizations.
- All ICU patients were male, aged 6-14 years.
- One patient had severe sequelae, two had moderate sequelae after follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Severe TBE in children can result in permanent neurological deficits.
- School-aged boys with focal encephalitis are particularly vulnerable.
- Routine immunization against TBE for school children in endemic areas is strongly advised.