Systemic Manifestation of Rotavirus Infection in Children: A Report of Three Cases

Meltem Akcaboy1, Melahat Melek Oguz1, Esma Altınel Acoglu1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Insights

Rotavirus infection can cause severe, non-gastrointestinal symptoms like encephalopathy and extremely high liver enzyme elevations. This highlights rotavirus as a systemic infection, not just a cause of gastroenteritis in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a primary cause of acute gastroenteritis in children.
  • While typically causing gastrointestinal symptoms, rotavirus may present with extra-intestinal manifestations.

Observation:

  • Three pediatric cases of rotavirus infection were observed.
  • One case involved encephalopathy, and two presented with extremely elevated hepatic transaminase levels (AST and ALT).
  • These transaminase levels represent the highest reported in association with rotavirus infections.

Findings:

  • Rotavirus infection can lead to severe hepatic transaminase elevation.
  • Encephalopathy is a potential extra-intestinal manifestation of rotavirus.

Implications:

  • Rotavirus should be considered a systemic viral infection.
  • Increased awareness of rotavirus's potential for systemic and extra-intestinal manifestations is crucial for pediatric care.
  • Severe hepatic involvement in rotavirus cases warrants further investigation.
Abstract

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