An observational, prospective study of clinical spectrum and outcome of acute encephalitis syndrome in North India SMS Medical College Hospital, Jaipur

Title : An observational, prospective study of clinical spectrum and outcome of acute encephalitis syndrome in North India SMS Medical College Hospital, Jaipur

Abstract:

Background: Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is a serious neurological condition marked by sudden fever, seizures, and altered mental status. It poses a significant public health concern, especially in tropical regions like India, where early diagnosis and effective management remain challenging.

Objective: To study the clinical profile, etiological patterns, and outcomes of AES patients admitted to SMS Hospital, Jaipur.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 70 adult AES patients. Detailed clinical evaluation, neuroimaging, and laboratory investigations, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and PCR testing, were performed. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS v25.0.

Results: The mean age of patients was 39.00 ± 12.23 years, with a male predominance (67.14%). Most patients were laborers, illiterate, and from rural areas. Fever (97.14%),seizures (68.57%), and altered sensorium (64.29%) were the most common symptoms. Neck rigidity (92.86%) was the most frequent neurological sign. Viral etiology was identified in 44.29% of patients, bacterial in 2.86%, while 52.85% remained undiagnosed. MRI findings showed parenchymal hyper intensities in viral and bacterial cases. Bacterial AES was associated with longer hospital stays (p = 0.047) and more severe clinical features.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of identifying the cause of AES and using evidence-based methods for its management. Understanding the strengths and limitations of current practices and applying standard diagnostic protocols can help improve the diagnosis and treatment of AES.

Keywords: Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, AES, viral encephalitis, clinical profile, neuroimaging, PCR, rural health, India.

Biography:

Dr. Sunil Kumar Mahavar is a Professor in the Department of General Medicine at SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur. He holds an MD in General Medicine and has earned multiple fellowships including FICP, FISH, and FGID (CMC, Vellore). Dr. Mahavar has presented 45 papers in various national and international journals and has extensive experience in clinical research, having participated in 20 drug trials across various phases. He has contributed book chapters to monographs on obesity and serves on the editorial boards of both the Rajasthan Medical Journal and the Indian Journal of Medical Specialities. In addition, he is a resource faculty member in the Medical Education Unit and a member of the Clinical Trial Screening Committee at SMS Medical College. He also serves as a subject expert committee member in the DCGI. In recognition of his contributions, he received the IMA Young Jewel Award in 2013 and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).