FREQUENCY OF FEVER AND CEREBROSPINAL FLUID PLEOCYTOSIS IN ACUTE ENCEPHALITIS IN CHILDREN

Objective: To determine the frequency of fever and cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis in acute encephalitis in children. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted on admitted patients from Outpatient Department and Emergency in Children’s Hospital PIMS, Islamabad, from May 2009 to Mar 2010. Methodology: Fifty six patients with acute encephalitis were included in the study, meeting the criteria as per International classification of diseases 9 and 10. All children (both genders) between the ages of 4 months to 12 years with acute encephalitis were included. Cerebrospinal fluid routine examination was done in all patients and the findings of pleocytosis (WBC count >5u/l), protein and sugar were noted in proforma. Results: Out of 56 patients 38 (68%) were males and 18 (32%) were females. The ages ranged from 4 months to 12 years, with the mean age of 4.6 ± 3.2 years. Amongst the 56 enrolled patients all presented with fever. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed Pleocytosis in 30 (54%) and normal cell count in 26 (46%). Cerebrospinal fluid protein content was normal in 45 (80%) and increased in 11 (20%). Conclusion: Fever was present in all cases of acute encephalitis in children admitted to Children’s Hospital PIMS, Islamabad with high frequency of cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis.