1. Neurocognitive outcome in children and adolescents following infectious encephalitis.
- Author
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Bergman K, Fowler Å, Ygberg S, Lovio R, and Wickström R
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Child, Female, Adolescent, Child, Preschool, Attention physiology, Sweden, Memory, Short-Term physiology, Prospective Studies, Neuropsychological Tests, Follow-Up Studies, Executive Function physiology, Infectious Encephalitis complications, Infectious Encephalitis psychology
- Abstract
Infectious encephalitis in children is fairly uncommon, but unfavorable outcomes are seen in many survivors. The aim of this study was to prospectively describe the long-term neurocognitive consequences following infectious encephalitis in childhood. Children admitted to a primary and tertiary hospital in Sweden between 2011 and 2016 were asked to participate. Fifty-nine children were assessed at a median time of 18 months (IQR 18-20) after hospitalization. Follow-up included measures of intellectual functioning, attention, working memory, and executive functions. Caregiver ratings of executive functioning and behavioral - emotional symptoms were assessed with standardized questionnaires. Neurocognitive outcome and measures of executive functions and behavioral-emotional symptoms varied greatly among participants. Basic auditory attention, working memory, and mental processing speed were affected and significantly lower compared to a standardized mean. Other domains identified as areas of vulnerability included executive functions, sustained attention, and the exert of self-control. Behavioral-emotional symptoms were less common; however, somatic complaints and behaviors related to conduct problems were seen in about one-third of individuals. This study highlights the importance of a comprehensive neurocognitive examination to identify children with unfavorable outcomes.
- Published
- 2024
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