Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Adults With Encephalitis: A Retrospective...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Encephalitis affects diverse populations, but differences in presentation and outcomes across racial and ethnic groups require investigation.
• Understanding these disparities is crucial for equitable healthcare delivery and targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and outcomes of encephalitis between White and ethnic minority adult patients.
• To identify factors influencing disease severity and prognosis in different racial/ethnic groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 599 encephalitis patients from Houston and Baltimore electronic health records.
• Patients categorized by race/ethnicity: White vs. ethnic minority (Black, Hispanic, Asian).
• Analysis of clinical characteristics, diagnostic findings (CSF, EEG, MRI), and outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale).

Main Results:

• Ethnic minority patients were younger, more likely to have HIV, severe organ dysfunction, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis, and abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) findings.
• Ethnic minority patients experienced worse outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale <4).
• Abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) <13 independently predicted adverse outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in encephalitis presentation, diagnostic findings, and outcomes.
• Ethnic minority patients face a higher burden of disease and poorer prognosis.
• Abnormal MRI and low GCS are key predictors for adverse outcomes, aiding in risk stratification.