Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice
Published on: April 14, 2011
Benign Acute Childhood Myositis During Influenza B Outbreak
L Szenborn1, K Toczek-Kubicka2, J Zaryczański3
1Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 2-2A Chałubińskiego Street, 50-368, Wrocław, Poland. leszek.szenborn@umed.wroc.pl.
Insights
Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a self-limiting condition causing calf pain in children post-respiratory infection. This study found an 83% association between BACM and influenza B in Polish children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a common post-viral syndrome in children, typically following upper respiratory infections.
- It presents with severe calf pain, leading to difficulty walking, and is associated with elevated serum creatinine kinase and AST.
- BACM is generally self-limiting, resolving within a week.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a case series of BACM in Polish children during influenza outbreaks.
- To investigate the clinical presentation and workup of BACM.
- To evaluate the association between BACM and influenza B infection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of children diagnosed with BACM in Poland during 2012/2013 and 2014/2015 influenza seasons.
- Clinical data, presentation, and diagnostic workup were reviewed.
- Serological testing for influenza B specific IgG antibodies was performed.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between BACM and influenza B infection.
- Specific IgG against influenza B virus was detected in 83% of children with BACM.
- Influenza B was confirmed as prevalent during the studied epidemic seasons in Poland.
Conclusions:
- Influenza B is strongly associated with the development of benign acute childhood myositis in children.
- BACM diagnosis should consider recent influenza B infection, especially during outbreaks.
- Prompt recognition and supportive care are key for managing BACM.
Abstract:
Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a syndrome classically occurring in children during the convalescent phase from a febrile upper respiratory tract infection, most commonly after influenza B. BACM can cause difficulty walking due to severe calf pain. Laboratory results show increased serum creatinine kinase and AST. Although alarming, BACM is self-limiting with symptoms disappearing within a week. Herein, we described a case series of BCAM in children in two cities in Poland during the influenza outbreaks in 2012/2013 and 2014/2015. We discussed the presentation and the clinical workup and examinations of the myositic syndrome. In addition, we evaluated the association of BACM with influenza B. We detected specific IgG against influenza B virus in 83% of the children diagnosed with BCAM. Reports from the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw, Poland confirmed a high rate of influenza B cases during both epidemic seasons in question.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...