Epidemiology of enteroviral meningoencephalitis in neonates and young infants. (23rd December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: March, Brayden; Eastwood, Keith; Wright, Ian M; Tilbrook, Lynelle; Durrheim, David N
• Is Part Of: Journal of paediatrics and child health. Volume 50:Number 3(2014:Mar.)
• Page Start: 216
• Page End: 220
• Publication Date: 2013-12-23
• Subjects: Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/jpc.12468
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1034-4810

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="jpc12468-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>To describe the epidemiology of enteroviral meningoencephalitis in northern New South Wales, Australia, with a specific focus on neonatal and young infant cases.</p> </sec> <sec id="jpc12468-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A retrospective review of PCR‐confirmed enteroviral meningoencephalitis cases in the Hunter New England Local Health District of northern NSW was conducted for the period 2008–2012.</p> </sec> <sec id="jpc12468-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>One hundred nine patients met the case definition. There was summer seasonality, with 50% (55/109) of cases occurring between December and February. Neonates and young infants (<3 months of age) accounted for 42% (46/109) of cases, with 20% (9/46) being premature births. Fever (83%) was the most common presentation in this age group, followed by irritability (40%), feeding difficulties (40%) and rash (17%). All received at least one antibiotic during their admission, with 26% (12/46) also treated empirically with acyclovir. There was one death. Where testing was undertaken, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels were high in 90% (28/31) of neonates and young infants, but the CSF white cell count was variable, with 57% <10/mm<sup>3</sup> and 21% >100/mm<sup>3</sup>.</p> </sec> <sec id="jpc12468-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Early diagnosis of enteroviral meningoencephalitis could alter management, potentially reducing the period of treatment with empirical antimicrobials and permitting earlier discharge.</p> </sec> </abstract>