Outcome of herpes simplex encephalitis in children.

Background And Purpose: Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) can cause high mortality and morbidity in children. Since local data of HSE in children are rare, we performed a retrospective study to evaluate the prognostic factors and outcome of HSE in Taiwan.

Methods: Children were enrolled into this study if they were diagnosed as having encephalitis and also had positive polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus (HSV) from cerebrospinal fluid, and/or positive immunoglobulin M or at least four-fold elevation of immunoglobulin G against HSV type 1 or type 2 from serum during the period from December 1, 1984 to January 31, 2003.

Continuous midazolam infusion in the treatment of uncontrollable neonatal seizures.

A prospective open-label study was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of continuous midazolam infusion in neonates with uncontrollable neonatal seizures. Patients whose seizures could not be controlled by diazepam, phenytoin or phenobarbital were enrolled. Midazolam was given as an intravenous bolus dose followed by continuous intravenous infusion.