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Hippocampal Atrophy in Pediatric Transplant Recipients with Human Herpesvirus 6B

Misa Miyake1, Yoshiki Kawamura1, Naoko Ishihara1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan.

Microorganisms
|April 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) infection in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients is linked to reduced hippocampal volume. This suggests potential neurological complications and the need for vigilant monitoring post-transplant.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Virology
  • Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Background:

  • Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a critical treatment for various diseases.
  • Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) is a common opportunistic infection post-HSCT.
  • The impact of HHV-6B on the developing brain, particularly the hippocampus, remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between HHV-6B infection and hippocampal volume changes in pediatric HSCT recipients.
  • To determine if HHV-6B infection leads to hippocampal atrophy.
  • To assess the correlation between HHV-6B infection, hippocampal volume, and neurological outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric HSCT recipients who underwent brain MRI before and after transplantation.
  • Volumetric analysis of hippocampal regions using MRI data.
  • Monitoring for HHV-6B infection and assessment of neurological symptoms, including encephalopathy.

Main Results:

  • A significant reduction in hippocampal volume was observed in pediatric HSCT recipients with HHV-6B infection compared to those without (Right hippocampus: p=0.007; Left hippocampus: p=0.003).
  • Four out of eight patients with HHV-6B infection showed a marked reduction in hippocampal volume (ratio < 0.90).
  • Encephalopathy was more prevalent in patients with HHV-6B infection.

Conclusions:

  • HHV-6B infection is associated with hippocampal volume reduction in pediatric HSCT recipients.
  • These findings highlight a potential neurotoxic effect of HHV-6B on the hippocampus.
  • Neurological surveillance is recommended for pediatric HSCT recipients diagnosed with HHV-6B infection.

Keywords:
childrenhematopoietic stem cell transplanthippocampushuman herpesvirus 6B

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