title: Management of suspected viral encephalitis in children - Association of British Neurologists and British Paediatric Allergy, Immunology and Infection Group 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: Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, West Derby, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK. rachel.kneen@alderhey.nhs.uk
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Kneen
authors: B D
authors: BD
authors: Michael
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Menson
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Mehta
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Easton
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Hemingway
authors: P E
authors: PE
authors: Klapper
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Vincent
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Lim
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Carrol
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Solomon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents