A study of sequelae of acute encephalitis syndrome in district Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: Each year more than 2000 AES cases are admitted in BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India with about 20-25 per cent mortality. Out of the survivors many develop neurological sequel after discharge. There is little information on the extent of disabilities, and no published literature on the subsequent follow-up of the survivors especially children after discharge. Objectives were to study the status of neurological sequelae and other complications, if any, in patients with JE and non-JE AES in the past three years.Methods: All the cases of acute encephalitis syndrome belonging to Gorakhpur District who were discharged after treatment at BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur from Jan 2008 to Dec 2010 was taken. Sample size – Study was conducted in 171 subjects. Out of 19 blocks in Gorakhpur district, three blocks were randomly chosen by simple random sampling method and it was decided to study all available cases in these blocks. Liverpool outcome score, was used as an assessment tool to determine practical level of disability and the likelihood that a child will be able to live independently after illness.Results: Out of 171 cases studied, 21 (12.3%), 48 (28.1%), 56 (32.7%) and 22 (12.9%) had full recovery, mild sequelae, moderate sequelae and severe sequelae respectively. The sequelae were more in forms of behavioural problems (77.6%), low intellect in school or routine task (57.2%), poor speech (20.4%), hearing (14.3%), motor and locomotion (8.9%).Conclusions: Mental & behavioural problems were more frequently encountered sequel in patients with JE and non-JE AES

A study of sequelae of acute encephalitis syndrome in district Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: Each year more than 2000 AES cases are admitted in BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India with about 20-25 per cent mortality. Out of the survivors many develop neurological sequel after discharge. There is little information on the extent of disabilities, and no published literature on the subsequent follow-up of the survivors especially children after discharge. Objectives were to study the status of neurological sequelae and other complications, if any, in patients with JE and non-JE AES in the past three years.Methods: All the cases of acute encephalitis syndrome belonging to Gorakhpur District who were discharged after treatment at BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur from Jan 2008 to Dec 2010 was taken. Sample size – Study was conducted in 171 subjects. Out of 19 blocks in Gorakhpur district, three blocks were randomly chosen by simple random sampling method and it was decided to study all available cases in these blocks. Liverpool outcome score, was used as an assessment tool to determine practical level of disability and the likelihood that a child will be able to live independently after illness.Results: Out of 171 cases studied, 21 (12.3%), 48 (28.1%), 56 (32.7%) and 22 (12.9%) had full recovery, mild sequelae, moderate sequelae and severe sequelae respectively. The sequelae were more in forms of behavioural problems (77.6%), low intellect in school or routine task (57.2%), poor speech (20.4%), hearing (14.3%), motor and locomotion (8.9%).Conclusions: Mental & behavioural problems were more frequently encountered sequel in patients with JE and non-JE AES