Herpetic encephalitis in children. Study of 9 cases
Vidal Sanahuja, R.; Tobeña Boada, L.; Estivill Sancho, J.; Campistol Plana, J.; Martín Rodrigo, J.M.; García-Tornel Florensa, S.; Sanmartí Vilaplana, F.X.; Fernández-Alvarez, E.
Anales Espanoles de Pediatria 23(4): 259-268
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0302-4342 PMID: 4083618 Document Number: 253736
Here we review nine cases of children with herpetic encephalitis (EH) admitted to the "San Juan de Dios" Hospital in Barcelona from 1976 to 1983. Of particular significance is the average age of 3,2 years, initial respiratory symptoms, fever and seizures in the majority of the cases. The EEG showed in every case short focal periodic activity from the 3rd to the 8th day of the illness, with normal CT-scan in 5 patients from the 5th to the 9th day. All the patients showed deterioration in the course of the illness, with serious sequels or death. We support an early herpetic encephalitis diagnosis and its treatment (ARA-A or Acyclovir) based on the clinical symptoms, the characteristic EEG, and a normal initial CT-scan. Antibodies levels and evolution will confirm or deny the diagnosis, without the need for a cerebral biopsy.