Clinical and Laboratory Profile of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Children: A Hospital-Based Study

Abstract

Background: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is an important neurological emergency in children and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation and laboratory abnormalities may vary with age and underlying etiology.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 143 children aged 6 months to <12 years admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Mahaveer Institute of Medical Sciences, who fulfilled the WHO criteria for AES. Clinical examination, hematological investigations, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were performed. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate.

Results: Among 143 children, 76 (53.1%) were male and 67 (46.9%) were female. Fever was present in all patients (100%), followed by seizures (95.8%), altered consciousness (92.3%), vomiting (42.7%), abnormal posturing (36.4%), rash (25.9%), and headache (20.3%). Significant age-related differences were observed for headache, seizures, loose stools, pulse rate, pallor, hemoglobin level, and CSF pressure. Viral AES accounted for 55.9% of cases and non-viral AES for 44.1%.

Conclusion: AES in children presents predominantly with fever, seizures, and altered consciousness, accompanied by important hematological and CSF abnormalities. Recognition of characteristic clinical and laboratory patterns may facilitate timely evaluation and management.