This protocol addresses viral encephalitis arising specifically in the context of measles virus encephalitis — a serious neurological complication that warrants a targeted clinical approach distinct from other viral causes of encephalitis.
In the setting of measles virus encephalitis, an antiviral agent — ribavirin — may be considered. The full structured regimen, including the conditions under which it applies and the complete clinical decision criteria, is set out in the protocol below.
DOI: 10.1086/589747
Measles virus: ribavirin can be considered (C-III); intrathecal ribavirin can be considered in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (C-III).
Although no controlled trials are available for the treatment of measles virus encephalitis, ribavirin may decrease the severity and duration of measles in normal adults and immunocompromised children with life-threatening disease.
Although ribavirin therapy is not currently recommended for treatment of measles virus encephalitis, if administered, it should be continued for 2–3 weeks.
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