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Central hypoventilation syndrome after Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis and herpes infection

Sandya Tirupathi1, David W Webb, Ethna Phelan

  • 1Department of Neurosciences, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.

Pediatric Neurology
|October 23, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A child developed central hypoventilation syndrome and spastic tetraplegia after Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis and herpes simplex infection, requiring ongoing respiratory support.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Central hypoventilation syndrome (CHS) is a rare disorder affecting autonomic control of breathing.
  • Brainstem and spinal cord injuries can lead to severe neurological deficits.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are significant pediatric pathogens.

Observation:

  • A case study of a child with severe brainstem and cervical cord injury is presented.
  • The injury followed an episode of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis and extensive herpes simplex infection.
  • The child presented with spastic tetraplegia and persistent need for respiratory support.

Findings:

  • The child was diagnosed with central hypoventilation syndrome.
  • The neurological sequelae included spastic tetraplegia and impaired respiratory drive.
  • The clinical presentation suggests a link between the infections and the central nervous system injury.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, complication of severe Hib meningitis and HSV infection in children.
  • Understanding the pathogenesis may involve inflammatory or vasculitic processes affecting the central nervous system.
  • Further research into the neuro-inflammatory sequelae of these infections is warranted to improve patient outcomes.

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