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[Fulminant encephalopathy due to Shigella flexneri]
S Dieu-Osika1, M F Tazarourte-Pinturier, P Dessemme
1Service de pédiatrie, hôpital Jean-Verdier, Bondy, France.
Summary
Shigella flexneri infection can cause severe encephalopathy, particularly in developed countries. Headache may indicate a poor prognosis in pediatric cases of Shigella encephalopathy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Shigella flexneri infection is a rare cause of severe encephalopathy.
- Encephalopathy associated with Shigella flexneri carries a high mortality rate.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old girl presented with fever, diarrhea, and altered consciousness.
- Cerebral CT scan was unremarkable, and Shigella flexneri type 2 was identified in stool samples.
- Despite antibiotic treatment, the patient's encephalopathy proved fatal.
Findings:
- Two siblings of the index patient were also infected.
- One sibling experienced only diarrhea with a favorable outcome.
- The other sibling had headache and mild consciousness abnormalities, also with a favorable outcome.
Implications:
- Shigella flexneri encephalopathy has a significant mortality rate in developed nations.
- The presence of headache in pediatric patients may be a predictor of a poor prognosis.
- Early recognition and understanding of prognostic factors are crucial for managing Shigella-associated neurological complications.