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Published on: March 3, 2021
Combined therapy with hypothermia and anticytokine agents in influenza A encephalopathy
M Munakata1, R Kato, H Yokoyama
1Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan. muna@ped.med.tohoku.ac.jp
Insights
This study shows that a treatment combining mild hypothermia and anticytokine agents effectively manages influenza A-related encephalopathy in children. Both patients recovered fully without neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Influenza A-related encephalopathy is a serious neurological complication in children.
- Current treatment options for influenza A-related encephalopathy have limitations.
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients with influenza A-related encephalopathy were treated.
- Treatment involved mild hypothermia (35°C forehead temperature), high-dose methylprednisolone, ulinastatin, and amantadine.
- One patient presented with acute necrotizing encephalopathy on CT scan.
Findings:
- Both patients recovered completely without any neurological sequelae.
- Transient, correctable hypokalemia and hyperglycemia were observed.
- The therapeutic protocol demonstrated effectiveness in managing severe cases.
Implications:
- This combined therapeutic approach may be a viable option for treating influenza A-related encephalopathy.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger cohorts.
- Early intervention with this protocol could potentially improve patient outcomes and prevent long-term neurological damage.
Abstract:
Two children with influenza A-related encephalopathy were treated with a combination of mild hypothermia (deep body temperature of the forehead: 35 degrees C) and anticytokine agents (high-dose methylprednisolone and ulinastatin), while receiving amantadine. One of the cases exhibited acute necrotizing encephalopathy on computed tomography (CT). Although no severe complications occurred, correctable hypokalemia and hyperglycemia occurred in both cases. Both patients recovered without any neurological sequelae. Our therapeutic protocol appears to be effective for managing influenza A-related encephalopathy.
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