[Study of the outcome of acute viral encephalitis in children based on the catamnestic data].

The paper treats of the results of a prolonged follow-up of 292 children who suffered acute viral encephalitides of different etiology. Outcomes of the disease are evaluated. Encephalitis outcome was mainly determined by etiology of the process. The most unfavourable outcomes were recorded in a group of children who suffered herpetic and cytomegaloviral encephalitides. The lingering convalescence may last up to 1.5-2 years. During that period, the children undergo not only a genuine recovery but also processes of compensation and adaptation. The residual phenomena include alterations which do not tend towards the reverse development. It is of paramount importance to take into account and to estimate properly premorbid changes on the part of the CNS. Etiology of the process determines the depth and stability of the residual phenomena.