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Utility of Film Array Meningoencephalitis Panel in Children With Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: A Single Centre

Dona Teresa Thomas1, P A Kunju Mohammed2, Greeshma Baby2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Correspondence to: Dr. Dona Teresa Thomas, Senior Resident, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. donsteresa34@gmail.com.

Indian Pediatrics
|May 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

The Film Array Meningoencephalitis (FAME) panel rapidly identifies pathogens in children with acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), aiding in reduced empirical antibiotic and antiviral therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) poses a significant diagnostic challenge in pediatric populations.
  • Timely and accurate etiological diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical utility of the Film Array Meningoencephalitis (FAME) panel in diagnosing pediatric AES.
  • To assess the impact of FAME panel results on empirical antimicrobial and antiviral treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective audit of pediatric patients diagnosed with AES was conducted.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed using the FAME panel within 48 hours of admission.
  • Patient electronic medical records were reviewed for clinical data, investigations, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The FAME panel identified the etiology in 31.4% of tested CSF samples.
  • Viral pathogens were the most common (e.g., Enterovirus, HHV-6), followed by bacterial and fungal agents.
  • Establishment of a specific etiology allowed for de-escalation of empirical antibiotic and antiviral therapies in a significant proportion of children.

Conclusions:

  • The FAME panel is an effective tool for rapid etiological diagnosis in pediatric AES.
  • Utilizing the FAME panel can lead to a reduction in the duration of empirical antibiotic and antiviral treatments, optimizing patient care.
Abstract

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