Acute Flaccid Myelitis: A Clinical Overview for 2019

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a serious neurological condition characterized by sudden limb weakness.
• AFM often follows viral infections and involves spinal cord inflammation, with increasing U.S. case clusters since 2014.
• The exact cause and long-term recovery prognosis for AFM remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the current understanding of acute flaccid myelitis.
• To highlight epidemiological trends and potential viral associations.
• To discuss current management strategies and the need for further research.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data on AFM case clusters in the United States.
• Analysis of temporal associations between enteroviral illnesses and AFM.
• Summary of clinical presentation and current treatment approaches.

Main Results:

• AFM cases have increased, particularly in 2018, with notable clusters.
• Enteroviruses D68 and A71 are epidemiologically linked to AFM outbreaks.
• Supportive care is the primary treatment; adjunctive therapies have not shown improved long-term outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Further research is essential to elucidate the pathophysiology of AFM.
• Optimizing management strategies for AFM requires a deeper understanding of the condition.
• Establishing causality between specific enteroviruses and AFM is a critical research goal.