Etiology and Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: A Prospective Observational Study

Dr. Neelakandan, Dr. Maulik Shah, Dr. Bhadresh Vyas, Dr. Hemangini Kharadi, Dr. Arnab Bandyopadhyay

Abstract: Background: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) remains an important public health concern in India, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric age group. Diverse etiology, non-specific presentation, and limitations in diagnostics often hinder early management. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical presentation, etiology, laboratory profile, and outcomes of pediatric AES. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 9 months at the Department of Pediatrics, G.G. Hospital, Jamnagar. Eighty children aged 1 month?12 years with AES were included. Clinical presentation, etiology, laboratory findings, and outcome predictors were systematically analyzed. Results: AES was most common in children aged 1?5 years, with rural predominance. Fever and seizures were the leading clinical features. Viral encephalitis of unknown cause was most frequent, followed by Japanese encephalitis, bacterial meningitis, and tuberculous meningitis. Laboratory analysis showed CSF pleocytosis in most cases, with deranged renal and hepatic functions correlating with poor prognosis. Mortality was associated with GCS <8, raised intracranial pressure, shock, metabolic acidosis, and multiorgan dysfunction. Conclusion: AES in children is predominantly viral, but a substantial proportion remain undiagnosed. Identifying early predictors of poor outcome can improve management and survival.

Keywords: pediatric encephalitis, AES outcomes, viral infections, clinical predictors, rural healthcare

How to Cite?: Dr. Neelakandan, Dr. Maulik Shah, Dr. Bhadresh Vyas, Dr. Hemangini Kharadi, Dr. Arnab Bandyopadhyay, "Etiology and Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: A Prospective Observational Study", Volume 14 Issue 9, September 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 197-199, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR25905124518, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR25905124518