Outcomes measures in children after acute central nervous system infections and malaria.

Abstract

Acute central nervous system (CNS) infections in children result in significant mortality and neurologic morbidity worldwide. This article summarizes the recent pediatric literature published on outcomes measures used after acute infectious meningitis, encephalitis, and cerebral malaria, and highlights ongoing research efforts to standardize outcomes measurements. Search terms were geared toward functional, cognitive, behavioral, and other outcome assessments. Recent data suggest that, depending on microbiological cause, there are differences in currently used outcome measures following acute CNS infections. Outcomes assessments include a variety of formal psychological tests (structured interviews and neuropsychological tests of cognitive and motor functioning) and dichotomized or ordinal scales. Standardization of outcome measures, however, is lacking. Global efforts to standardize outcomes that encompass both the child and family are ongoing. Centers worldwide can track and measure a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and functional outcomes after acute CNS infections. Standardized documentation and coding of clinically important outcomes is needed. Further research to evaluate effective practices using acute adjunctive and rehabilitation therapies will be aided by outcome measure standardization.