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Influence of malnutrition on adverse outcome in children with confirmed or probable viral encephalitis: a prospective

Priyanka Singh1, Girish C Bhatt2, Vijay Singh1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, India.

Biomed Research International
|February 20, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Undernutrition and the need for ventilation are key predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with viral encephalitis. This study highlights the significant association between poor nutritional status and poor prognosis in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Viral encephalitis poses a significant threat, often leading to severe neurological deficits or death.
  • Nutritional status is a critical factor in patient recovery and outcomes across various diseases.
  • The specific impact of undernutrition on viral encephalitis outcomes requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify independent predictors of adverse outcomes in patients diagnosed with confirmed or probable viral encephalitis.
  • To investigate the association between nutritional status (specifically undernutrition) and adverse outcomes in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective observational study was conducted involving 114 patients with confirmed or probable viral encephalitis.
  • Patients were categorized into undernourished (weight-for-age Z-score below -2SD) and normal nutritional status groups.
  • Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to determine independent predictors of adverse outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Undernutrition was identified as a significant independent predictor of adverse outcomes (adjusted OR: 5.05; 95% CI: 1.92 to 13.44).
  • The requirement for mechanical ventilation also emerged as a strong independent predictor (adjusted OR: 6.75; 95% CI: 3.63 to 77.34).
  • Adverse outcomes included death and severe neurological deficits like motor impairment and cognitive deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Undernutrition is independently associated with a substantially higher risk of adverse outcomes in patients with viral encephalitis.
  • These findings underscore the importance of nutritional assessment and intervention in managing viral encephalitis patients.
  • The study extends the understanding of undernutrition's impact to the context of viral encephalitis, highlighting it as a critical prognostic factor.

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