NGHIÊN CỨU ĐẶC ĐIỂM LÂM SÀNG VÀ CẬN LÂM SÀNG VIÊM NÃO MÀNG NÃO Ở TRẺ EM TẠI BỆNH VIỆN NHI ĐỒNG CẦN THƠ NĂM 2024 - 2025

Abstract

Background: Encephalitis and meningitis are acute, life-threatening conditions characterized by evolving epidemiological patterns and etiological agents. In Can Tho, up-to-date data regarding clinical characteristics and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) alterations during the 20242025 period remain limited. Objectives: (1) To describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of encephalitis and meningitis in a pediatric cohort; and (2) to analyze the correlations between clinical features and laboratory/imaging findings in these patients. Materials and methods: A crosssectional descriptive study was conducted on 52 children diagnosed with and treated for encephalitis or meningitis at Can Tho Children’s Hospital from November 2024 to June 2025. Results: The highest prevalence was observed in children aged ≥ 5 years (48%). Common symptoms included headache (92.3%), poor feeding (86.5%), and vomiting (82.7%). Predominant physical signs were fever (98.1%), seizures (80.8%), and nuchal rigidity (76.9%). Leukocytosis (> 10,000/mm³) was present in 69.2% of cases. CSF analysis revealed pleocytosis, mild protein elevation, and glucose reduction, which were more pronounced in the meningitis group compared to the encephalitis group. A moderate inverse correlation was found between the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and CSF white blood cell count (r = -0.332; p = 0.02). Conclusion: The clinical presentation of encephalitis and meningitis in Can Tho is diverse. Laboratory findings are consistent with existing literature.