All issues > Volume 26(1); 1983

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1983;26(1):26-33. Published online January 31, 1983.

Clinical Observation in Epidemic Encephalitis.

Hye Keun Kim¹, Young Jong Woo¹, Tai Ju Whang¹, Hyung Suk Byun¹, Chull Shon¹

¹Department of Pediatrics，Chonnam University Medical School

Abstract

A clinical observation and statistical management on 592 cases of epidemic encephalitis admitted to the department of pediatrics, Chonnam University Hospital with 10 years duration from 1971 to 1980 were carried out. The following results are obtained: 1) No periodical change was observed in annual incidence during these 10 years. 2) The annual incidence was higher when the annual average temperature was higher. Most of the patients (74.6%), particularly those in rural districts (89.9%), were seen between mid-August and mid-September. 3) Number of patients by age group was highest from 6 to 10. The ratio of male to female patients was 2.1 : 1. 4) Chief complaints on admission were fever (98.8%), neck stiffness (73.0%), Kernig sign (70.4%), headache (59. 0%), vomiting (58.3%). 5) In most cases (76.3%), peripheral leukocytosis with increased polymorphocyte was noted. Hyponatremia was observed in 47.5%, and S-GOT was elevated in 57.1%. 6) Findings of C.S.F.: Pleocytosis (81.3%), increased protein content (90.1%), normal or -slightly increased sugar content (96.2%), and normal chloride level (83.7%). 7) Mortality rate was 18.4%, and Sequalae of the disease was observed in 19.1%. The patients who admitted with prodromal symptoms showed better prognosis than those who admitted with meningeal symptems & unconsciousness.

Keywords :Epidemic encephalitis; periodical change; temperature; better prognosis