Related Experiment Videos
Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges in children
Hideto Yoshikawa1, Tokinari Abe
1Department of Pediatrics, Niigata City General Hospital, Niigata, Japan. hideto@mocha.ocn.ne.jp
Journal of Child Neurology
|December 31, 2003
Summary
Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) in children can indicate serious cerebral conditions like influenza-associated encephalopathy. This study highlights PLEDs as a significant indicator in acute pediatric neurological disorders, despite not being disease-specific.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) are recognized EEG patterns.
- Their specific etiological significance in acute pediatric cerebral involvement requires further elucidation.
- This study investigates the spectrum of conditions associated with PLEDs in children.
Observation:
- Thirteen pediatric patients with PLEDs during acute cerebral involvement were analyzed.
- Diagnoses included influenza-associated encephalopathy, limbic encephalitis, theophylline-associated seizures, Mycoplasma pneumoniae encephalitis, acute encephalopathy, and bacterial meningitis.
- All patients experienced seizures, with six exhibiting hemiconvulsions.
Findings:
- PLEDs were observed in diverse acute pediatric neurological conditions.
- Influenza-associated encephalopathy was a notable cause among the studied cohort.
- Seizures and hemiconvulsions were common clinical manifestations in patients with PLEDs.
Implications:
- PLEDs serve as a critical neurophysiological marker in acute pediatric neurological emergencies.
- Recognizing PLEDs can aid in the early identification of severe underlying cerebral pathologies.
- Further research is warranted to explore the prognostic value and specific diagnostic contributions of PLEDs in pediatric neurology.