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Early mental and neurological sequelae after Japanese B encephalitis
1Department of Tropical Diseases, Institute for Protection of Children's Health, Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Japanese B encephalitis (JBE) can cause severe long-term effects. This study found over half of young JBE patients experienced neurological or mental sequelae within two months, impacting recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Japanese B encephalitis (JBE) is a mosquito-borne viral illness with significant mortality and debilitating sequelae in survivors.
- The long-term neurological and mental consequences of JBE in children require further investigation, particularly following epidemic outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the types and development of sequelae in children treated for Japanese B encephalitis during a 1992 epidemic in northern Vietnam.
- To identify clinical factors associated with increased risk of developing sequelae after JBE.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 50 pediatric patients (aged 1-15 years) treated for JBE at the Institute for Protection of Children's Health in Hanoi were observed over two months.
- Assessment of sequelae included neurological and mental examinations, electroencephalogram (EEG) testing, and intelligence quotient (IQ) testing.
Main Results:
- 58% of patients did not fully recover within the observation period.
- 30% exhibited both neurological and mental disturbances, 18% had only mental symptoms, and 20% had isolated neurological sequelae.
- EEG abnormalities were found in 30% of tested patients, and 39% performed subnormally on IQ tests. Severe initial symptoms like deep coma and apnea showed a trend towards higher sequelae risk.
Conclusions:
- Japanese B encephalitis frequently results in significant neurological and mental sequelae in children, impacting their recovery.
- Early clinical indicators such as deep coma and respiratory distress may predict a higher risk of long-term deficits, underscoring the need for prompt and comprehensive management.