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Pediatric neurological complications associated with the A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza infection

E Frobert1, C Sarret, G Billaud

  • 1Laboratoire de Virologie Est, Centre de Biologie et Pathologie Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France. frobert@chu-lyon.fr

Journal of Clinical Virology : the Official Publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
|September 17, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Influenza-related neurological complications (INC) can occur in children, even those without prior health issues. These complications, including seizures and encephalitis, can lead to severe outcomes, highlighting the importance of monitoring during flu seasons.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Influenza-related neurological complications (INC) are recognized in children during seasonal flu outbreaks.
  • The 2009 H1N1 pandemic presented a unique opportunity to study INC in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the types, outcomes, and incidence of INC during the 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic.
  • To analyze the characteristics of pediatric patients with INC.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients admitted to a French hospital from October 2009 to February 2010.
  • Real-time RT-PCR testing for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in children with relevant symptoms.
  • Clinical data collection on INC types, comorbidities, treatments, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Fourteen children (7.7%) with confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 infection developed INC, with a median age of 5.1 years.
  • Febrile seizures were most common (8 cases), followed by encephalitis, encephalopathy, and other rare neurological events.
  • Sixty-four percent required intensive care, and 78.6% recovered, though one child died from acute necrotizing encephalopathy.

Conclusions:

  • INC can affect children irrespective of underlying health conditions.
  • Neurological complications of influenza can result in severe outcomes, including death, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Abstract

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