A study of the outcome of acute encephalitis syndrome in children

Abstract

Background: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is defined as a person of any age, at any time of the year, with acute onset of fever and a change in mental status (including symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, coma, inability to talk) and/or new onset of seizures (excluding simple febrile seizures) [WHO]. Japanese encephalitis (JE) is one of the leading causes of AES affecting children and adolescents in the tropical countries. Objective of the study were to study the outcome of children with AES. The study was conducted in the department of pediatrics, Gauhati medical college and hospital, Guwahati from 1st July 2016 to 30th June 2017.Methods: Patients admitted in the pediatrics department of Gauhati medical college and hospital, Guwahati with diagnosis of AES during the study period were taken into account based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results: It has been observed that age, awareness among caregivers, poor GCS, multiple seizures, shock are important factors in the outcome of AES.Conclusions: From the present study, prognosis of the cases may be predicted and measures taken to improve outcome