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Prognostic factors for acute encephalopathy with bright tree appearance
Junji Azuma1, Shin Nabatame1, Sayaka Nakano1
1Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan; Epilepsy Center, Osaka University Hospital, Japan.
Brain & Development
|May 3, 2014
Summary
Children with encephalopathy and bright tree appearance (BTA) showing higher creatinine, lower platelet counts, and elevated lactate levels in the acute phase face a poorer prognosis and potential for severe disability.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Encephalopathy with bright tree appearance (BTA) is a neuroimaging finding requiring identification of prognostic factors.
- Understanding predictors of outcome is crucial for managing pediatric encephalopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify prognostic factors for encephalopathy with bright tree appearance (BTA) in the acute phase.
- To correlate clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings with patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 10 children with encephalopathy and BTA, divided into severe and mild outcome groups.
- Evaluation of clinical symptoms, laboratory data (lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, platelets), MRI, and MRS findings.
Main Results:
- Severe group patients experienced complications like epilepsy and motor impairment.
- Higher creatinine and lower platelet counts were significant indicators of poor prognosis.
- Elevated lactate levels in BTA lesions on MRS potentially predicted severe disability.
Conclusions:
- Acute phase creatinine, LDH levels, and platelet counts are correlated with encephalopathy prognosis.
- Lactate levels within BTA lesions during the acute phase may predict long-term physical and mental disability.
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