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Japanese encephalitis in children in Bellary Karnataka
Insights
Japanese encephalitis (JE) in children under 12 caused significant mortality (26%) and long-term effects. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric JE cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a serious mosquito-borne viral disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Pediatric cases present unique challenges in diagnosis and management.
- Understanding the clinical profile and outcomes in children is vital for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and outcomes of pediatric Japanese encephalitis cases.
- To identify risk factors associated with mortality and severe sequelae in children with JE.
- To provide insights into the epidemiology of JE in a specific geographic region.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 150 pediatric patients (<12 years) with JE admitted between October 1986 and January 1987.
- Analysis of demographic data, clinical presentation, duration of illness, and hospital stay.
- Evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, viral isolation, and serological testing for JE virus.
Main Results:
- The study included 150 children, with a 2:1 male-to-female ratio and a mean age not specified but youngest affected was 1 year old.
- Common symptoms included fever, headache, and vomiting; 70% had acute or sub-acute onset.
- Mortality was 26%, linked to younger age, prolonged illness before admission, and severe coma; 28.82% experienced moderate to severe sequelae.
Conclusions:
- Japanese encephalitis poses a significant threat to children, with high rates of mortality and long-term neurological deficits.
- Younger age, delayed hospital admission, and severity of coma are critical indicators of poor prognosis.
- Further research and enhanced public health interventions are necessary to mitigate the impact of JE in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
One hundred and fifty cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in children below 12 years of age admitted to the Headquarters Hospital, Bellary Medical College during October, 1986 to January, 1987 were studied. The youngest child affected was 1 year old. The ratio of male to female was 2:1. Hindu patients (93.33%) were significantly more than Muslim patients (6.6%). The average duration of illness prior to hospitalisation was 4.2 days (SD +/- 1.9 days). Fever, headache and/or vomiting were common presenting symptoms at the onset of illness. Onset of illness was acute or sub-acute in 105 cases (70%). CSF examination showed pleocytosis with lymphocytic reaction and normal sugar. Japanese encephalitis virus was isolated from the brain biopsy tissue in one case and the seropositivity rate for JE was 50%. The mortality was 26% and was directly related to younger age, longer duration of illness prior to admission and deeper grade of coma at the time of admission. Moderate to severe sequalae were seen in 31 patients (28.82%). The mean duration of hospital stay was 8 days.