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Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice
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Neurological involvement related to the influenza virus in children: A 5-year single-centre retrospective study

Julie Savagner1, Pauline Trémeaux2, Eloïse Baudou1

  • 1Department of Paediatric Neurology, Toulouse Children's Hospital, 330 Avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31300, Toulouse, France.

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology : EJPN : Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
|June 22, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Influenza infection in children frequently causes neurological symptoms like seizures and encephalitis, but most cases resolve quickly. Long-term effects require further study, particularly in those with prior neurological issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Influenza virus infection can trigger various neurological conditions in children, including encephalitis, often presenting with seizures.
  • The presentation and severity of influenza-related neurological issues can vary based on epidemic strains and a child's medical history.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and characteristics of neurological manifestations in children hospitalized with influenza.
  • To analyze the types of neurological symptoms, patient demographics, and outcomes associated with influenza infection.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of children with neurological symptoms and confirmed influenza RNA in respiratory samples.
  • Inclusion criteria: hospitalization between November 2018 and April 2023 at Toulouse Children's Hospital.

Main Results:

  • 10.3% of hospitalized influenza patients (131 children) presented with neurological features.
  • Seizures were the most common symptom (73.3%), followed by encephalitis (29%). Most patients (88.5%) showed rapid recovery.
  • Influenza A was the predominant strain, and 71.6% of affected children were under 5 years old.

Conclusions:

  • Neurological complications are common in pediatric influenza cases but are typically transient.
  • Further research is needed to understand long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially in children with pre-existing neurological conditions.
Abstract

Keywords:
EncephalitisFebrile seizureInfluenzaInfluenza-associated-encephalitisNeuro-influenzaPaediatric neurology

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