Neurologic Disorders in Immunocompetent Patients with Autochthonous Acute Hepatitis E

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is increasingly recognized as a cause of neurologic disorders.
• While Guillain-Barré syndrome and Parsonage–Turner syndrome (PTS) are known manifestations, the full spectrum of neurological involvement remains under-investigated, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the range of neurologic disorders associated with acute HEV infection in immunocompetent patients.
• To highlight the need for HEV screening in patients presenting with neurological symptoms and abnormal liver function tests.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from 15 French immunocompetent patients with acute HEV infection and neurologic disorders.
• Data collected between January 2006 and June 2013.

Main Results:

• A wider spectrum of neurologic disorders was observed, including mononeuritis multiplex, PTS, meningoradiculitis, and acute demyelinating neuropathy.
• Treatments included ribavirin, corticosteroids, and intravenous immunoglobulin, with varying outcomes.

Conclusions:

• HEV infection can induce a variety of neurological conditions in immunocompetent individuals.
• Screening for HEV infection should be considered in immunocompetent patients presenting with acute neurological manifestations and elevated aminotransferases.