[Follow-up and prognosis of herpes simplex encephalitis. Observations on 57 patients between 1960 and 1987].

A retrospective study of outcome in 57 herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) patients treated between 1960 and 1987 is reported. HSE was confirmed by virus isolation or detection of intrathecal anti HSV synthesis. 24 patients did not receive antiviral therapy, 19 were vidarabine recipients and 14 were treated with acyclovir.