Cerebrospinal fluid and serum cytokine profiles in severe viral encephalitis with implications for refractory status epilepticus: a retrospective observational study.

Background: To identify new intervention targets, we explored the correlation between cytokines and the development of refractory status epilepticus (RSE) in patients with severe viral encephalitis (SVE).

Methods: We examined the characteristics of 14 cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum, analyzing their correlation with acute symptomatic seizures and prognosis. Furthermore, we conducted a dynamic analysis of differences and correlations in the expression of cytokines among patients with SVE without seizures, those with controlled seizures, and those with RSE.

Results: We included 161 patients with SVE; the incidence of seizures was 55.2%, and the mortality rate was 5.5%. Notably, 18.9% of these patients developed RSE, with a mortality rate of 20%. During the early stage of SVE, CSF interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly higher, declining over time and affecting the prognosis. CSF IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in the RSE group compared to patients without seizures and with controlled seizures, decreasing gradually and independently of serum cytokine levels. CSF IL-8 and age were independent risk factors for RSE, with clinical utility.

Conclusions: Patients with SVE exhibit intrathecal cytokine storms, primarily characterized by elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-8, which influence prognosis. The strong and persistent hyperinflammation underscored by CSF IL-6 and IL-8 is associated with the occurrence and development of RSE; thus, CSF IL-8 and age are independent risk factors for SVE with RSE, indicating potential anti-inflammatory intervention targets.