[Herpetic encephalitis in children. Study of 9 cases]

Here we review nine cases of children with herpetic encephalitis (EH) admitted to the "San Juan de Dios" Hospital in Barcelona from 1976 to 1983. Of particular significance is the average age of 3,2 years, initial respiratory symptoms, fever and seizures in the majority of the cases. The EEG showed in every case short focal periodic activity from the 3rd to the 8th day of the illness, with normal CT-scan in 5 patients from the 5th to the 9th day. All the patients showed deterioration in the course of the illness, with serious sequels or death. We support an early herpetic encephalitis diagnosis and its treatment (ARA-A or Acyclovir) based on the clinical symptoms, the characteristic EEG, and a normal initial CT-scan. Antibodies levels and evolution will confirm or deny the diagnosis, without the need for a cerebral biopsy.