Dengue Associated Demyelinating Disorders - A Report of 2 Cases

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Dengue virus infection is common globally, but neurological complications are infrequent, occurring in 2%-11% of cases.
• Neurological manifestations of dengue can stem from multisystem dysfunction, direct viral invasion (dengue encephalitis), or immune responses (demyelinating disorders).

Observation:

• Presents two pediatric cases of dengue fever-associated demyelinating disorders.
• Case 1: A 3-year-old girl with fatal acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy (AHLE) and severe neurological sequelae.
• Case 2: A 3-year-old boy with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) who recovered with timely immunomodulatory therapy.

Findings:

• Dengue virus infection can trigger diverse demyelinating disorders in children.
• Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy (AHLE) associated with dengue can be fatal.
• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in dengue patients may be treatable with immunomodulatory therapy.

Implications:

• Highlights the spectrum of neurological complications in pediatric dengue.
• Emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and management of dengue-related neurological disorders.
• Suggests potential for successful treatment of certain dengue-associated demyelinating conditions with immunomodulatory therapies.