| Theme |
Controlling Infections in Dialysis Patients |
| Title |
Herpes simplex encephalitis in dialysis patients |
| Author |
Hideki Yotsueda |
Department of Nephrology, Fukuoka Red Cross Hospital |
| Author |
Hideki Hirakata |
Department of Nephrology, Fukuoka Red Cross Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is the most common form of viral encephalitis in Japan. Symptoms in the early stages of disease onset, such as repetitive convulsions, neurological symptoms, indicating temporal lobe and frontal lobe lesions, strongly suggest HSE. MRIs are useful in diagnosing HSE.
Aciclovir (ACV) is a first line agent in the treatment of HSE. It is necessary to note central nerve complications which develop after administering ACV for renal impairment patient, such as ACV encephalopathy. The prodrug ACV treatment is valaciclovir (VACV) emerges and is frequently used. Similar to ACV VACV encephalopathy is term of concern. |