Tick-borne encephalitis in Styrian children from 1981 to 2005: a retrospective study and a review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Tick-borne encephalitis in children appears to be more benign than in adults and shows also a more favourable outcome. Only some authors report of sequelae like paralysis, paresis or seizures and behavioural abnormalities. The aim was to describe the clinical features of tick-borne encephalitis in children with special attention to sequelae and to review the literature.

Methods: Retrospective review of all charts of children with serologically confirmed tick-borne encephalitis hospitalised in Styria between 1981 and 2005.

Results: One hundred sixteen children were diagnosed with tick-borne encephalitis. Ninety-two children (79.3%) developed meningitis and 24 (20.7%) meningoencephalitis. Eleven patients with meningoencephalitis showed somnolence, 5 confusion, 5 tremors, 2 facial palsy, 1 ataxia, 1 epileptic seizure and 1 hemi paresis. Seven patients had to be admitted to the intensive care unit. Two children (1.7%) developed long time neurological sequelae: one epileptic seizure with requirement of antiepileptic therapy and one left-sided hemi paresis. One hundred twelve children had been not and 3 incompletely vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis. Only one child had been fully vaccinated according to the Austrian vaccination schedule.

Conclusion: Our study provides further evidence that tick-borne encephalitis in children has a substantial morbidity and in single cases severe long-time neurological sequelae are observed.