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Pulmonary edema can occur in children after generalized tonic-clonic seizures, even without heart problems. Prompt supportive care and seizure control lead to full recovery in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary edema is a known complication of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults.
- Its occurrence in children is rarely documented.
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients, aged 8 and 9 years, presented with clinical and radiographic evidence of pulmonary edema.
- Symptoms included fever, leukocytosis, and arterial hypoxemia.
- No cardiac dysfunction or infection was identified as the cause.
Findings:
- Pulmonary edema in children can be associated with generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
- The condition is characterized by hypoxemia, fever, and leukocytosis.
- Absence of cardiac pathology is noted.
Implications:
- Early recognition and supportive therapy are crucial for rapid and complete recovery in pediatric cases.
- Effective seizure control is essential to prevent recurrent episodes of pulmonary edema.
- This highlights the importance of considering non-cardiac causes of pulmonary edema in children with seizures.
Abstract:
Pulmonary edema complicating generalized tonic-clonic seizures has rarely been reported in children, although it has been well documented in adults. We report two patients, aged 8 and 9 years, who developed clinical and radiographic evidence of the condition. Fever, leukocytosis, and arterial hypoxemia are seen in the absence of cardiac dysfunction or infection. Rapid and complete recovery is to be expected if supportive therapy is instituted. Since these patients had no underlying cardiac pathology, control of the seizures will prevent further episodes.