title: Management of suspected viral encephalitis in adults--Association of British Neurologists and British Infection Association National Guidelines.
abstract: In the 1980s the outcome of patients with herpes simplex encephalitis was shown to be dramatically improved with aciclovir treatment. Delays in starting treatment, particularly beyond 48 h after hospital admission, are associated with a worse prognosis. Several comprehensive reviews of the investigation and management of encephalitis have been published. However, their impact on day-to day clinical practice appears to be limited. The emergency management of meningitis in children and adults was revolutionised by the introduction of a simple algorithm as part of management guidelines. In February 2008 a group of clinicians met in Liverpool to begin the development process for clinical care guidelines based around a similar simple algorithm, supported by an evidence base, whose implementation is hoped would improve the management of patients with suspected encephalitis.
authors: Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, The Apex Building, West Derby Street, Liverpool, UK. tsolomon@liv.ac.uk
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Solomon
authors: B D
authors: BD
authors: Michael
authors: P E
authors: PE
authors: Smith
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Sanderson
authors: N W S
authors: NW
authors: Davies
authors: I J
authors: IJ
authors: Hart
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Holland
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Easton
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Buckley
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Kneen
authors: N J
authors: NJ
authors: Beeching
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019468:Disease Management; D020803:Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents