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Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
Long-term motor and cognitive outcome of acute encephalitis
Orli Michaeli1, Imad Kassis, Yael Shachor-Meyouhas
1Department of Pediatrics B.
Insights
Childhood encephalitis can lead to lasting motor and cognitive problems, including ADHD and learning disabilities. Even those appearing recovered may face long-term neurocognitive deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Acute encephalitis in children can result in significant neurological damage.
- Long-term outcomes for pediatric encephalitis survivors are not fully understood.
- Identifying prognostic factors is crucial for managing affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term motor and neurocognitive effects of childhood acute encephalitis.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with severe neurologic sequelae.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of children treated for acute encephalitis between 2000-2010 was reevaluated.
- Data collection included structured interviews, comprehensive neurologic examinations, and neurocognitive, attention, and behavioral assessments.
Main Results:
- 29 out of 47 children experienced neurologic sequelae, including motor impairment, cognitive deficits, and epilepsy.
- Encephalitis survivors showed higher rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (50%) and learning disabilities (20%) compared to the general population.
- Focal neurological signs, abnormal neuroimaging, confirmed infectious etiology, and prolonged hospitalization were linked to severe sequelae.
Conclusions:
- Childhood encephalitis is associated with substantial long-term neurologic sequelae, including cognitive impairment and behavioral disorders.
- Neurocognitive deficits can persist even in children initially assessed as fully recovered.
- Routine neuropsychological testing is recommended for all childhood encephalitis survivors to detect and manage long-term effects.
Objectives:
To examine the long-term motor and neurocognitive outcome of children with acute encephalitis and to look at possible prognostic factors.
Methods:
Children who were treated for acute encephalitis in 2000-2010 were reevaluated. All children and their parents were interviewed by using structured questionnaires, and the children underwent full neurologic examinations, along with comprehensive neurocognitive, attention, and behavioral assessments.
Results:
Of the 47 children enrolled, 1 died and 29 had neurologic sequelae, including motor impairment, mental retardation, epilepsy, and attention and learning disorders. Children with encephalitis had a significantly higher prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (50%) and learning disabilities (20%) compared with the reported rate (5%-10%) in the general population of Israel (P < .05) and lower IQ scores. Lower intelligence scores and significantly impaired attention and learning were found even in children who were considered fully recovered at the time of discharge. Risk factors for long-term severe neurologic sequelae were focal signs in the neurologic examination and abnormal neuroimaging on admission, confirmed infectious cause, and long hospital stay.
Conclusions:
Encephalitis in children may be associated with significant long-term neurologic sequelae. Significant cognitive impairment, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities are common, and even children who were considered fully recovered at discharge may be significantly affected. Neuropsychological testing should be recommended for survivors of childhood encephalitis.
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