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[Acute encephalitis and encephalopathy at the height of influenza in childhood]
T Togashi1, Y Matsuzono, M Anakura
1Sapporo City General Hospital.
Insights
Influenza virus caused acute encephalitis and encephalopathy in 26 children, leading to deaths and neurological issues. Nationwide surveys are recommended to understand the prevalence of these severe pediatric neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Acute encephalitis and encephalopathy are serious neurological conditions in children.
- Influenza is a common viral infection with potential for severe complications.
Purpose:
- To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of pediatric encephalitis and encephalopathy associated with influenza.
- To identify neurological changes and outcomes in affected children.
Summary:
- Twenty-six children in Hokkaido, Japan, were diagnosed with acute encephalitis/encephalopathy during two influenza seasons.
- Influenza virus was detected in 90% of cerebrospinal fluid samples.
- Brain imaging revealed symmetrical thalamic and brainstem changes.
- Mortality was 50% (13/26), with 19% experiencing neurological sequelae (5/26).
Impact:
- Highlights the severe neurological impact of influenza in pediatric populations.
- Suggests the need for enhanced surveillance of influenza-related neurological disorders in children.
- Informs clinical awareness and diagnostic approaches for pediatric encephalitis and encephalopathy.
Abstract:
Twenty six infants and children with acute encephalitis and encephalopathy during two influenza seasons in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, were reported. Thirteen patients died and 5 had residual neurological sequelae. Influenza virus genome was detected by PCR in 9 out of 10 cerebrospinal fluid samples from these patients. CT and MRI of the brain demonstrated symmetrical changes in the thalamus and brainstem. The prevalence of these encephalitis and encephalopathy of childhood should be surveyed by nationwide scale.