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Acute viral encephalitis in children
Abstract:
Fifty-seven cases satisfying criteria of the diagnosis of acute viral encephalitis were studied. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (presumed), 48 cases; Group 2 (postinfectious), nine cases. A possible association of viral aetiology was found in 26%. Viruses isolated were: influenza (3 cases), Coxsackie virus (2), adenovirus (2), mixed cytomegalovirus and adenovirus and herpes simplex viruses (1 case each). The mortality rate was 28%. Among the 41 survivors, 76% were completely normal and 24% had neurological sequelae with focal neurological deficit in 29%; personality changes in 6%; moderate mental retardation in 2%; severe mental retardation in 4%; hyperactivity in 4% and epilepsy in 4%. The best predictors to unfavourable outcome were the rapid rate of deterioration in conscious level after admission and the age of the patients.
Insights
This study on acute viral encephalitis found a 28% mortality rate and identified rapid deterioration and patient age as key predictors of poor outcomes in viral encephalitis cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute viral encephalitis is a serious neurological condition.
- Understanding its causes and outcomes is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the viral etiology and clinical outcomes of acute viral encephalitis.
- To identify predictors of unfavorable outcomes in affected patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 57 patients diagnosed with acute viral encephalitis.
- Classification into presumed (48 cases) and post-infectious (9 cases) groups.
- Viral isolation and analysis of clinical data, including neurological sequelae and mortality.
Main Results:
- A viral etiology was identified in 26% of cases, with influenza, Coxsackie, adenovirus, CMV, and HSV isolated.
- The overall mortality rate was 28%.
- Among survivors, 76% had normal outcomes, while 24% experienced neurological sequelae, including deficits, personality changes, intellectual disability, hyperactivity, and epilepsy.
Conclusions:
- Rapid deterioration of consciousness level post-admission and patient age are significant predictors of poor outcomes in acute viral encephalitis.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to mitigate neurological sequelae and reduce mortality.