Related Experiment Videos
The changing picture of pseudotumor cerebri in children
Insights
Refeeding syndrome is the most common cause of pseudotumor cerebri in children, particularly those under 6. Ear disease is an uncommon cause. Steroids are reserved for resistant cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hypertension) is a condition of increased pressure around the brain.
- While often idiopathic, underlying causes can be identified, especially in younger children.
- Identifying the etiology is crucial for appropriate management and preventing long-term complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the common causes of pseudotumor cerebri in a pediatric cohort.
- To determine the age-related prevalence of specific etiologies.
- To inform treatment strategies based on identified causes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 38 children diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri.
- Analysis of patient history, clinical presentation, and diagnostic findings.
- Categorization of identified causes, including ear disease and refeeding syndrome.
Main Results:
- Refeeding syndrome was the most frequent cause (nutritional deprivation or cystic fibrosis treatment).
- Ear disease accounted for only 3 of 38 cases.
- Causative factors were identified in 85% of children under 6 years old.
- Steroids were used selectively for treatment-resistant cases due to adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Refeeding syndrome is a significant, often overlooked, cause of pediatric pseudotumor cerebri.
- Age is a critical factor in identifying the etiology of pseudotumor cerebri.
- Management should be tailored to the underlying cause, with cautious use of steroids.
Abstract:
Among 38 children with pseudotumor cerebri only 3 cases were due to ear disease or its complications. The commonest cause was a refeeding syndrome either due to nutritional deprivation or as an early finding in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. It is uncommon to find the cause of pseudotumor in older children but in those under 6 years the cause was found in 85%. Because of the adverse effects of steroids we use this treatment in the more resistant cases.