Viral encephalitis: prognostic features
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Viral encephalitis: prognostic features. Older age, Reduced consciousness or coma at treatment onset. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Poor prognostic features
- Older age
- Reduced consciousness or coma at treatment onset
- Restricted diffusion on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Delay in commencing Acyclovir
- Not using corticosteroids
- Thrombocytopaenia
- Cerebral oedema
Features with no prognostic implications
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References
- Kamei S, Sekizawa T, Shiota H, et al. Evaluation of combination therapy using aciclovir and corticosteroid in adult patients with herpes simplex virus encephalitis. JNNP 2005; 76:1544-1549.
- Singh TD, Fugate JE, Hocker S, Wijdicks EF, Aksamit AJ Jr, Rabinstein AA. Predictors of outcome in HSV encephalitis. J Neurol 2016; 263:277-289.
- Thakur KT, Motta M, Asemota AO, et al. Predictors of outcome in acute encephalitis. Neurology 2013; 81:793–800.
