Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
Translaminar Autonomous System Model for the Modulation of Intraocular and Intracranial Pressure in Human Donor Posterior Segments
Published on: April 24, 2020
Clinical features of pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Daniel Agraz1, Linda A Morgan2, Samiksha Fouzdar Jain1,2
1College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Insights
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in children is not well understood. Obesity is linked to IIH in older children, and a high allergy rate suggests a potential autoimmune component in pediatric IIH.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is commonly associated with obesity in adults, but its etiology in children remains unclear.
- Understanding pediatric IIH is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
- This study investigates risk factors and clinical features of IIH in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential risk factors and clinical characteristics of pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).
- To explore the association between obesity and IIH across different age groups in children.
- To investigate the potential role of autoimmune factors in pediatric IIH.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patients aged 5-17 years diagnosed with IIH at a tertiary care children's hospital.
- Diagnostic criteria included papilledema, normal neurological exam, normal neuroimaging, normal cerebrospinal fluid, and elevated opening pressure (>28 mmHg).
- Data analysis included assessment of obesity rates and allergy prevalence within the cohort.
Main Results:
- Nineteen of 26 reviewed cases met full diagnostic criteria for IIH; seven were probable cases lacking papilledema.
- Mean intracranial pressure was 40.23 mmHg (±10.74).
- Obesity was present in 50% of patients, with a higher prevalence (69.2%) in those aged 13+ compared to younger children (30.7%). A significant allergy rate (46.2%) was observed.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is associated with pediatric IIH, particularly in older children (13+ years).
- The high prevalence of atopy suggests a potential autoimmune component in pediatric IIH.
- Diagnosing pediatric IIH requires a detailed history and thorough examination, as optic nerve edema may be absent.
Abstract:
Introduction: Adult idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is often linked to obesity, however, causes of IIH in children are not well understood. This project identifies potential risk factors and features of pediatric IIH. Methods: This study consisted of a retrospective chart review of patients ages 5-17 years who were seen at a tertiary care children's hospital and diagnosed with IIH. Diagnostic criteria included the presence of papilledema, normal neurological exam, normal neuroimaging, normal cerebrospinal fluid composition, and an opening pressure of a lumbar puncture >28 mmHg. Results: Of the 26 cases of IIH, 19 met all diagnostic criteria for this study, while seven patients were probable IIH, as they lacked papilledema. Intracranial pressure ranged from 28 to 66 mmHg, with a mean of 40.23 mmHg (±10.74). Overall, 50.0% (95% CI: 29.9-70.1%) of IIH patients were obese, with patients 12 years of age and younger exhibiting an overall obesity rate of 30.7% and patients 13 years of age and older having an obesity rate of 69.2%. The overall allergy rate in this IIH patient population was 46.2% (95% CI: 26.6-66.6%). Conclusion: Obesity appears to have no association with IIH in younger cases, but it is a more common feature in older children. An autoimmune component may play a role in pediatric IIH, given the high rate of atopy observed in this pediatric IIH patient cohort. Because a diagnosis of IIH can have an absence of optic nerve edema, taking a detailed history and performing a thorough examination are keys to diagnosing IIH in the pediatric population.
Related Concept Videos
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests