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Published on: September 23, 2022
Outcome and extent of disability following Japanese encephalitis in Indonesian children
Masri Sembiring Maha1, Vanda A Moniaga, Susan L Hills
1National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Insights
Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Indonesian children often results in death or severe disability, impacting independence. Immunization is crucial to prevent JE and reduce its societal and economic burden.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Neurology
- Public health
Background:
- Japanese encephalitis (JE) poses a significant health threat to children in endemic regions.
- Understanding the long-term outcomes of JE is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes and disability levels in Indonesian children following Japanese encephalitis.
- To assess the long-term impact of JE on children's ability to live independently.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 72 laboratory-confirmed JE cases in children was followed.
- Disability was assessed using the Liverpool Outcome Score at least 4 months post-hospital discharge.
Main Results:
- Outcome data was available for 65 children (90%).
- 25% of children died, and 25% experienced severe sequelae, likely leading to dependency.
- An additional 25% had moderate or minor sequelae, with only 25% fully recovering.
Conclusions:
- Half of the children with JE either died or suffered severe disabilities, highlighting the disease's profound impact.
- JE immunization programs are recommended to prevent cases and mitigate the economic and social burden in Indonesia.
Objectives:
The study aimed to assess outcome, including level of disability, following Japanese encephalitis (JE) in children in Indonesia.
Methods:
A cohort of children diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed JE from January 2005 to August 2006 was followed-up, with disability measured at least 4 months after discharge from hospital. An assessment tool that can be used to rapidly determine practical level of disability and the likelihood that a child will be able to live independently after illness, the Liverpool Outcome Score, was used.
Results:
Of 72 children with JE, determination of outcome was possible for 65 (90%). Sixteen died in hospital or before follow-up assessment (25%). Sixteen children (25%) had severe sequelae, indicating their function was impaired enough to likely make them dependent. Five (7%) had moderate sequelae and 12 (18%) had minor sequelae. The remaining 16 children (25%) were considered to have recovered fully.
Conclusions:
Half of the children with JE either died or were left with serious disabilities likely to impair their ability to lead independent lives, demonstrating the severe impact of JE. Immunization can effectively prevent JE, and an immunization program could avert some of the economic and social burden of JE disease in Indonesia.
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