Neurological complications in Chikungunya fever.
OBJECTIVE
The present prospective study was undertaken to study the clinical manifestations and mainly neurological complication of an acute febrile illness termed chikungunya which has recently attacked india after 43 years.


METHODS
This prospective study has been conducted in hospitalised patients admitted in government and private hospitals of Kota city from August 2006 to October 2006. Patients showing neurological involvement with typical clinical picture of chikungunya infection were studied in detail and followed up for improvement and any permanent damage or death.


RESULTS
Apart from typical clinical triad of high grade fever, arthralgia and rash of chikungunya infection we have observed a spectrum of neurological abnormalities in terms of altered mental functions, seizures, focal neurological deficit with abnormal CT scan of head and altered CSF biochemistry. Permanent neurological sequelae and even death has occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Typical clinical history of chikungunya infection, neurological complications with associated CSF abnormalities, supportive laboratory evidences, positive chikungunya IgM card test, exclusion of other causes and known predilection of arboviruses for CNS infection allows us to conclude the diagnosis of study cases as Chikungunya Encephalitis.
Rampal
Department of Medicine, Medical College and Associated Group of Hospitals, Kota, Rajasthan.
Sharda
Meenaxi
M
Meena
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018354:Alphavirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002646:Chikungunya virus; D002648:Child; D003128:Coma / Q000209:etiology; D003221:Confusion / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014036:Togaviridae Infections / Q000150:complications*