Related Experiment Videos
Failure of acyclovir sodium therapy in herpes simplex encephalitis
N Gürses1, A G Kalayci, I Işlek
1Department of Paediatrics, Ondokuz Mayis University School of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey.
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a severe brain infection. A case highlights treatment challenges, with a patient dying despite a 13-day course of acyclovir therapy for HSV-type 1.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a critical neurological condition with high mortality.
- Focal hemorrhagic necrosis of the temporal and frontal lobes characterizes HSE.
- Accurate diagnosis relies heavily on brain tissue sampling, despite investigations into non-invasive methods.
Observation:
- A previously healthy individual developed encephalitis.
- The patient underwent a 13-day course of acyclovir sodium therapy.
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was isolated from brain tissue post-mortem.
Findings:
- Despite treatment with acyclovir sodium, a standard antiviral, the patient succumbed to the infection.
- This case underscores potential treatment failures and the need for optimized acyclovir dosing and duration protocols.
- Recurrence of HSE following therapy remains a clinical concern.
Implications:
- The case highlights the persistent challenges in managing HSE, even with established antiviral treatments.
- Further research is needed to refine treatment strategies, including optimal acyclovir dosage and duration, to improve patient outcomes.
- The findings emphasize the critical role of timely and accurate diagnosis in managing severe neurological infections like HSE.