CompletedNot Applicable

Brazil ICU Encephalitis Surveillance

Brazil451 participantsStarted 2019-06-01

Plain-language summary

Our proposal is to develop a sentinel syndromic surveillance strategy to identify encephalitis cases possibly related to emerging pathogens admitted to ICUs in Brazil. "Sentinel" to allow a diagnostic intensive approach on a smaller number of cases, "syndromic" to guarantee a sensitive criterion to include new or unexpected pathogens, and in ICUs to prioritize potentially severe threats. In a resource-limited setting it won't be possible to monitor and investigate all cases of encephalitis, so a cost-effective algorithm for early identification of the cases that are most likely to be caused by unusual, unexpected or emerging pathogens must be developed. As universal surveillance of encephalitis is not recommended in Brazil, data on incidence, causes and prognosis is not available, leaving a gap in the understanding of the epidemiology of this central nervous system disease in the country. This study will review cases of encephalitis admitted in the last five years to ICUs in a large metropolitan area. Its results will help understand the epidemiology of encephalitis in Brazil and will provide data to build a strategy for early identification of outbreaks and of emerging infectious diseases.

Who can participate

Age range

1 Month

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

Encephalitis: Involvement of the brain parenchyma by the infectious agent. Diagnosis of encephalitis by Venkatesan et al19 requires:

Exclusion criteria

Meningitis: Patients without criteria for encephalitis, and at least one of the following criteria:

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

In-hospital mortality

Timeframe: January 2012 to December 2019

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05370573

SponsorD'Or Institute for Research and Education

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2020-06-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Encephalitis trials