Profile of Neurological Manifestations in Children Presenting with Rickettsial Disease

S B Chiranth1, K R Ashwini1, Vykuntraju K Gowda2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Medicine, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore, Karnataka.

Indian Pediatrics
|January 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Rickettsial disease in children frequently causes neurological issues like seizures and altered consciousness. Prompt diagnosis of these neurological manifestations is key for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Rickettsial infections can present with diverse neurological symptoms in children.
  • Understanding these manifestations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the neurological manifestations of rickettsial disease in pediatric patients.
  • To identify common neurological symptoms and associated findings.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of hospital records from January to December 2020 was conducted.
  • Data from 178 children diagnosed with rickettsial disease were analyzed.
  • Inclusion criteria included clinical and serological confirmation of rickettsial infection.

Main Results:

  • Neurological involvement was observed in 54.3% of pediatric rickettsial disease cases.
  • Common manifestations included convulsions (59%), altered sensorium (56%), and headache (44%).
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed pleocytosis and elevated protein levels in affected children. Neuroimaging showed cerebral edema, cerebellar hyperintensities, and infarcts.

Conclusions:

  • Rickettsial infections are a significant cause of neurological manifestations in children.
  • Early identification of these neurological signs aids in prompt and specific treatment initiation.
Abstract

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