Consensus Guidelines on Evaluation and Management of Suspected Acute Viral Encephalitis in Children in India.
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Date
2012-11
Journal Title
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Abstract
Justification: Viral encephalitis is an important cause of
mortality and morbidity in children. The etiological agents are
varied, and physicians treating such children often feel limited by
the lack of uniform guidelines on evaluation and management of
these critically ill children in resource-constrained settings.
Process: An ‘Expert Group Meeting on Viral Encephalitis in
Children’ was held on 19th January, 2012 in Gurgaon, Haryana
(under the aegis of PEDICON 2012, the National Conference of
Indian Academy of Pediatrics). The invited experts included
pediatricians and microbiologists with expertise in the relevant
field. Various issues related to the subject were discussed and it
was decided to bring out recommendations on the topic. The
final recommendations were produced after circulating the draft
document, and incorporating/discussing all changes, by e-mail.
Objectives: To aid the pediatrician in the evaluation and
management of children with suspected viral encephalitis and to
assist the public health authorities in acute encephalitis
surveillance. These guidelines do not cover viral encephalitis in
the neonatal period and in immunocompromised children,
Rabies encephalitis, and chronic viral encephalitis such as
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
Recommendations: Recommendation for evaluation and
management of suspected viral encephalitis in children are
presented. In any acute encephalitis outbreak, pediatricians
should be aware of the common viral causes of encephalitis in
their area, what information and samples they should collect,
and the contact details of the District Surveillance Unit. Pending
specific diagnosis and therapy (which may or may not be
possible), prompt empirical therapy and meticulous supportive
care are important to prevent ongoing brain damage, and
improve outcome.
Description
Keywords
Child, Encephalitis, India, Guidelines, Investigations, Management
Citation
Sharma Suvasini, Mishra Devendra, Aneja Satinder, Kumar Rashmi, Jain Amita, Vashishtha Vipin M. Consensus Guidelines on Evaluation and Management of Suspected Acute Viral Encephalitis in Children in India. Indian Pediatrics. 2012 November; 49(11): 897-910.