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[Acute non-suppurative encephalitis in children]
E B Holm1, T T Sørensen, J P Nielsen
1Viborg Sygehus.
Insights
Acute encephalitis in children can be caused by common viral infections like mumps and measles. The study highlights the importance of vaccinations, including MMR and potentially chickenpox, to prevent severe neurological complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Context:
- A retrospective study of pediatric encephalitis cases was conducted at a central hospital.
- The study period spanned from July 1973 to January 1988.
- A total of 66 children aged 3 months to 14 years were analyzed.
Purpose:
- To identify the causes of acute encephalitis in children.
- To determine the incidence of encephalitis related to specific viral infections and vaccination.
- To evaluate the sequelae of encephalitis and inform public health strategies.
Summary:
- Mumps was the most frequent cause (25 cases), followed by measles (8 cases) and chickenpox (6 cases).
- Herpes simplex, RS-virus, and mycoplasma were less common causes.
- In 22 cases, the etiology remained unknown, and one case occurred post-vaccination.
- Seventeen cases presented with sequelae, underscoring the potential severity of the condition.
Impact:
- The findings strongly support the use of the MMR vaccine to prevent mumps and measles-related encephalitis.
- The data suggests that a vaccination campaign for chickenpox could be beneficial in reducing encephalitis incidence.
- This research contributes to understanding the epidemiology of childhood encephalitis and reinforces the value of immunization programs.
Abstract:
From July 1973 to January 1988, 66 children aged from three months to 14 years, 36 boys and 29 girls, were seen at the Central Hospital, Viborg, with acute encephalitis. In 25 cases the encephalitis was caused by mumps, in eight by measles, in six by chicken pox, one by herpes simplex, one by RS-virus, and one by mycoplasma. One case was seen after vaccination, one after infection and in 22 cases the cause of the encephalitis remained unknown. Sequelae were seen in 17 cases. The risk of encephalitis after mumps, measles, and rubella is an important argument for the use of MMR-vaccination and the risk of encephalitis after chickenpox may justify a vaccination campaign against chickenpox.