Examining Mortality Patterns to Improve Outcomes in Encephalitis Care

Background: Adult encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain parenchyma, may be associated with significant disability and mortality. Mortality has somewhat lessened in recent years. Objective: To study the causes and timing of mortality in encephalitis. Design: Retrospective, observational, nested case-controlled study. Methods: Data from 2 health systems in Texas and Maryland from 2002 to 2023 were reviewed. Mortality was divided into category 1, where encephalitis was the cause of death; category 2, where encephalitis was the underlying but not direct cause of death; and category 3, where encephalitis was not the cause of death. Results: 629 adult patients were enrolled. The mortality rate was 7.15% among all patients, and 16.9% among those admitted to the ICU. Logistic regression analysis noted body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, immunocompromise, elevated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, thrombocytop more...