Related Experiment Videos
Influenza-associated encephalopathy in Japan
1Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Kokan Hospital, 1-2-1 Kokandori, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0852, Japan. sugaya-n@za2.so-net.ne.jp
Insights
Influenza-associated encephalopathy, a severe complication in Japanese children, presents with rapid onset of fever and coma. This distinct neurological condition, often linked to influenza A (H3N2), requires further recognition globally.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) is a recognized complication of influenza in Japanese children.
- IAE is frequently associated with influenza A (H3N2) virus infections.
- The condition primarily affects young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics of influenza-associated encephalopathy.
- To differentiate IAE from Reye syndrome.
- To highlight the potential global occurrence of similar encephalopathic symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case review and analysis of reported influenza-associated encephalopathy cases.
- Neuroimaging findings, specifically bilateral thalamic necrosis, were examined.
- Comparison with Reye syndrome and potential prevalence in other regions.
Main Results:
- IAE is characterized by sudden high fever, severe convulsions, and rapid coma progression, often leading to death within days.
- Bilateral thalamic necrosis is observed in approximately one-fourth of patients on neuroimaging.
- IAE is clinically distinct from Reye syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Influenza-associated encephalopathy is a severe neurological complication of influenza, particularly in children.
- The distinct clinical and neuroimaging findings, including thalamic necrosis, warrant wider recognition.
- Similar encephalopathic syndromes are likely occurring in North America and Europe.
Abstract:
Although the clinical entity of influenza-associated encephalopathy (influenza encephalopathy) has not gained universal recognition, it has been reported frequently as a complication of influenza in Japanese children. The influenza type A (H3N2) virus was detected in most cases. Most of the patients have been young children. Influenza encephalopathy typically is associated with a sudden onset of high fever, severe convulsions, rapidly progressive coma, and death within 2 or 3 days. Influenza encephalopathy reported in Japan is distinct from Reye syndrome, and one-fourth of patients exhibit bilateral thalamic necrosis on neuroimaging. Similar encephalopathic symptoms probably occur in North America and European countries.