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A 10-month-old with rotavirus gastroenteritis, seizures, anasarca and systemic inflammatory response syndrome and

Sulaiman S Bharwani1, Qudsia Shaukat, Ratna Basak

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, UAE University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. sulaiman.bharwani@gmail.com

BMJ Case Reports
|June 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A 10-month-old infant experienced severe symptoms including seizures and shock after a rotavirus infection. Prompt medical intervention led to a full recovery within 12 days.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in infants.
  • Severe complications can arise, necessitating prompt diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • A 10-month-old infant presented with seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
  • Initial investigations revealed hyponatremia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated CRP.
  • Stool analysis was positive for rotavirus antigen, with microscopic hematuria and coffee-ground nasogastric aspirate.

Findings:

  • The infant developed generalized edema, effusions, shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC).
  • Treatment included fluid/electrolyte correction, albumin infusions, and blood product transfusions.
  • The patient recovered fully within 12 days.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for severe, systemic complications of rotavirus infection in infants.
  • Early recognition and aggressive supportive care are crucial for managing such critical cases.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of rotavirus-induced systemic illness may improve treatment strategies.

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