Liverpool – Adjuvant therapy with dexamethasone in addition to acyclovir did not improve recovery from encephalitis caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV) in a randomized study (Lancet Neurology 2026; DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(25)00454-5). However, according to the results, the treatment has proven to be safe. A sensitivity analysis further suggests a possible additional benefit from early use.
HSV encephalitis used to be fatal in at least 70% of cases if left untreated. Today, around 9 out of 10 patients survive treatment with acyclovir. However, almost half suffer permanent, mostly cognitive damage. Only around 20% manage to return to work.
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