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Microbiologic findings in acute facial palsy in children

Mervi Kanerva1, Janne Nissinen, Kirsi Moilanen

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. mervi.kanerva@gmail.com

Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
|May 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Microbial infections are a frequent cause of pediatric facial palsy, with Borrelia burgdorferi being the most common culprit. Cerebrospinal fluid testing is recommended for children in endemic areas to identify the cause.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Peripheral facial palsy in children can have various etiologies.
  • Identifying the specific cause is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the microbiologic causes of peripheral facial palsy in children.
  • To determine the incidence and common etiologies of pediatric facial palsy.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective clinical study was conducted at a tertiary referral center.
  • Forty-six children (0-16 years) with peripheral facial palsy were enrolled.
  • Paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples were analyzed using a microarray assay for various microbial DNA, including herpesviruses, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of facial palsy was 8.6 per 100,000 children per year.
  • A microbiologic cause was identified in a significant proportion of cases.
  • Borrelia burgdorferi was the most common cause (30%), followed by varicella-zoster virus (11%).

Conclusions:

  • Microbiologic factors are frequently associated with pediatric facial palsy.
  • Borreliosis is the leading cause, necessitating cerebrospinal fluid sampling in endemic areas.
  • Varicella-zoster virus is the second most common infectious cause.
Abstract

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