Treatment for infantile encephalitis includes antiviral drugs, immunomodulatory therapy, and supportive care. Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, ganciclovir, and famciclovir are used to treat viral infections; immunomodulatory therapy, such as intravenous immunoglobulin and glucocorticoids, is used to reduce inflammation; supportive care includes maintaining electrolyte balance, nutritional support, and respiratory support.
1. Antiviral drugs are the primary treatment for viral encephalitis. Acyclovir is commonly used for herpes simplex virus encephalitis, ganciclovir for cytomegalovirus encephalitis, and famciclovir is effective against a variety of viral infections. These drugs need to be used early to maximally suppress viral replication. Dosage and duration of treatment need to be adjusted according to the infant's weight and the severity of the illness, while closely monitoring for drug side effects.
2. Immunomodulatory therapy is used to control the inflammatory response. Intravenous immunoglobulin can neutralize viruses and regulate the immune system; the usual dose is 400 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days. Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone can reduce cerebral edema; the dose is 0.15 mg/kg, 2-3 times daily. Immune function needs to be monitored during treatment to prevent secondary infections.
3. Supportive care is fundamental to ensuring the infant's safety. Maintaining electrolyte balance can be achieved through intravenous fluid replacement, which needs to be precisely calculated based on weight and urine output. Nutritional support includes breastfeeding or formula feeding, and nasogastric feeding or intravenous nutrition when necessary. Respiratory support is selected according to the severity of the condition, choosing oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation to maintain airway patency and blood oxygen saturation above 95%.
Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are key to curing infantile encephalitis. During treatment, it is necessary to closely monitor changes in the condition and adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner. The prognosis is related to the type of pathogen, the timing of treatment, and complications.