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Fluorescence-based Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay to Assess the Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses to The Neuraminidase Inhibitor Class of Antivirals
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Oseltamivir treatment for children showing abnormal behavior during influenza virus infection

Takuya Tanabe1, Keita Hara, Miwa Nakajima

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Hirakata City Hospital, 2-14-1 Kinyahonmachi, Hirakata City, Osaka 573-1013, Japan. tanabemapa@pop01.odn.ne.jp

Brain & Development
|February 10, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) did not cause or worsen abnormal behaviors in children with influenza. The clinical course and outcomes were favorable for all patients, regardless of when the behavior appeared relative to treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Influenza infection in children can manifest with neurological symptoms, including abnormal behaviors.
  • The role of antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in these neurological manifestations is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical courses of children with influenza-associated abnormal behaviors treated with oseltamivir.
  • To determine if oseltamivir is associated with the onset or exacerbation of these behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 22 children (ages 2-15) admitted during three influenza seasons.
  • Categorization of patients into groups based on the timing of abnormal behavior relative to oseltamivir administration (pre-treatment vs. post-treatment).
  • Analysis of clinical course, symptom presentation, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The most frequent abnormal behaviors included meaningless speech/movements and altered awareness (illusions, delusions).
  • All 22 children experienced a favorable clinical course without neurological worsening or encephalopathy.
  • No significant differences in clinical course, behavior recurrence, or outcomes were observed between pre-treatment and post-treatment groups.

Conclusions:

  • Oseltamivir is unlikely to be a prerequisite for or a cause of abnormal behaviors in children with influenza.
  • The medication did not appear to worsen the clinical manifestations of these behaviors.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the role of oseltamivir in influenza virus encephalopathy.
Abstract

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