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Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Neurological and muscular manifestations associated with influenza B infection in children
Jin-Hwa Moon1, Jae-Yoon Na, Joo-Hwa Kim
1Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jhmoon@hyumc.com
Background:
Influenza viruses have been associated with various neurological and muscular symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pediatric neurological and muscular manifestations of influenza B during a 5-month epidemic at a single center.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 355 pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza B infection.
Results:
Neurological and muscular symptoms were exhibited by 28 patients (7.9%). The mean age was 48.7 ± 25.2 months. The mean time between respiratory symptoms and neurological symptoms was 2.2 ± 1.5 days. The most common symptom was seizure (19/28, 67.9%), followed by myositis (5/28, 17.9%), increased intracerebral pressure (1/28, 3.6%), delirium (1/28, 3.6%), and severe headache (1/28, 3.6%). There was one severe case of meningitis with myocarditis (1/28, 3.6%). All seizures were febrile: 15 simple febrile seizures (78.9%), three complex febrile seizures (15.8%), and one febrile status epilepticus (5.3%). The mean age of nine patients with their first seizures was 37.9 ± 22.2 months, which was older than the typical age of onset for febrile seizure. All the patients, except one, were treated with oseltamivir. There were no deaths or chronic debilitating sequelae.
Conclusions:
The neurological and muscular complications of influenza B infection in children are relatively mild, and febrile seizure is the most common. However, clinicians should be alert to the possibility of rare severe complications during influenza B outbreaks.
Insights
Influenza B can cause neurological and muscular symptoms in children, most commonly febrile seizures. While generally mild, rare severe complications may occur during outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Influenza viruses are known to cause various neurological and muscular symptoms.
- Understanding these manifestations in children is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pediatric neurological and muscular manifestations associated with influenza B infection.
- To analyze the frequency and types of these complications during a 5-month epidemic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 355 pediatric patients with confirmed influenza B.
- Analysis of clinical symptoms, patient demographics, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- 28 patients (7.9%) presented with neurological or muscular symptoms.
- Febrile seizures were the most common (67.9%), followed by myositis (17.9%).
- Most cases were mild, with no deaths or chronic sequelae reported.
Conclusions:
- Neurological and muscular complications of influenza B in children are typically mild, with febrile seizures being the most frequent.
- Clinicians should remain vigilant for potential rare, severe complications during influenza B outbreaks.
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