PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Kneen, Rachel AU - Jakka, Srinivasa AU - Mithyantha, Renuka AU - Riordan, Andrew AU - Solomon, Tom TI - The management of infants and children treated with aciclovir for suspected viral encephalitis AID - 10.1136/adc.2008.144998 DP - 2010 Feb 01 TA - Archives of Disease in Childhood PG - 100--106 VI - 95 IP - 2 4099 - http://adc.bmj.com/content/95/2/100.short 4100 - http://adc.bmj.com/content/95/2/100.full SO - Arch Dis Child2010 Feb 01; 95 AB - Objective To investigate how infants and children with suspected viral encephalitis are currently managed in a UK tertiary children’s hospital. Methods Case notes of all infants and children who received intravenous aciclovir for suspected encephalitis over a 6-month period were reviewed. Suspected viral encephalitis was defined as a child with fever or history of febrile illness and a reduced level of consciousness, irritability or a change in personality or behaviour or focal neurological signs. Results Fifty one children were identified. Two had proven herpes simplex encephalitis (HSV) and two had clinically diagnosed viral encephalitis with no cause identified. Forty children had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, but basic results were incomplete in 13 cases. CSF was sent for the detection of HSV DNA by PCR in 27 cases. The initial dose of aciclovir was incorrect in 38 cases. The median (range) length of intravenous aciclovir treatment was 4 (1–21) days. Six children were given a full course of aciclovir (10 or more days). For 14 children, there appeared to be no real indication for starting aciclovir. Case note documentation was generally inadequate. Conclusions The management of children with suspected viral encephalitis appears haphazard in many cases. Guidelines for the management of children with suspected viral encephalitis are needed.