Key result
Cerebrospinal fluid sampling before day 3 of herpes simplex encephalitis yielded initial negative PCR results in 24.2% (8 of 33) of cases, significantly associated with low protein and leukocytes.
Why the study?
Does the timing of cerebrospinal fluid sampling affect the reliability of polymerase chain reaction results in children with herpes simplex encephalitis?
Observational (n=38)
Does the timing of cerebrospinal fluid sampling affect the reliability of polymerase chain reaction results in children with herpes simplex encephalitis?
Early CSF sampling (before day 3) in children with herpes simplex encephalitis may yield false-negative PCR results, particularly when CSF protein is low and leukocyte count is <10/mm3.
Negative early CSF PCR may miss pediatric HSE; leaves open need for repeat testing in high-suspicion cases.
The prognosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) depends on the early and appropriate administration of specific antiviral therapy. We retrospectively reviewed 38 cases of children with proven HSE, to evaluate the reliability of polymerase chain reaction results, according to the time of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. Initial negative results were observed in 8 of 33 CSF samples drawn before day 3 of the disease and were significantly associated with a low level of protein and <10 leukocytes/mm3 in the CSF.
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Tiège et al. (2003) conducted an observational in Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) (n=38). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling before day 3 of disease was evaluated on Initial negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. Cerebrospinal fluid sampling before day 3 of herpes simplex encephalitis yielded initial negative PCR results in 24.2% (8 of 33) of cases, significantly associated with low protein and leukocytes.
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