Current Pediatric Research

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Although viruses have traditionally been identified as the main causative agents of AES in India, more recently, reports of bacteria and toxins have also been made. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics, radiographic, and laboratory parameters, and outcome of AES in children. Over the course of six months, this prospective observational study was carried out in the pediatric department of SMIMER medical college and hospital of Surat. 14 diagnosed cases of AES in children ranging in age from one month to eighteen years were included in the study. Every patient's clinical characteristics, lab results, radiological results, and outcomes (discharge, DAMA, or death) were documented.

The study found that fever (85.7%) and seizure (71.4%) were the most common clinical presentations followed by vomiting (64.3%), altered sensorium (50%), headache and diarrhea being 14.3% each. MRI findings were abnormal in 75% of the patients. Parenchymal hyperintensity (66.66%) and diffuse cerebral edema (33.33%) being the most common findings. The laboratory parameters include neutrophila (78.6%) as the most common findings along with anaemia (64.3%), leucocytosis (50%) and thrombocytopenia (35.7%). Increased CSF protein (>60 mg/100 ml) was found in 54.5% and CSF pleocytosis (>5 cells) in 36.4%. The research emphasizes how crucial it is to manage AES patients using evidence-based practices. Improved diagnosis and management of AES may result from a greater grasp of the potential and constraints associated with the administration and application of common laboratory and diagnostic techniques.

Author(s): Ajay Sethi*, Jigar Anadkat, Suraj Patel, Shraddha Merja

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