Influenza B virus infection can rarely be complicated by encephalitis, which may present with mutism and can lead to long-term neurologic sequelae or death.
Early neurologic symptoms in influenza B warrant vigilance for encephalitis; case reports leave open incidence and optimal management.
Two children with influenza B-associated encephalitis (IBAE) presented to our hospital during the winter of 2000-2001, both of whom had cases notable for mutism in association with encephalitis. A review of the literature identified 13 additional reports consistent with IBAE that contained sufficient data for analysis. Eleven of 15 reported cases occurred in children aged <or=18 years; of these, more than one-half occurred in children <11 years of age. Neurologic symptoms appeared within the first 4 days of illness in 13 cases. Speech abnormalities were observed in 4 patients and consisted of mutism in 3. Although the majority of patients recovered fully, 3 were left with neurologic sequelae, and 1 died. These cases reveal the spectrum of IBAE and its potential for long-term sequelae. Clinicians caring for children should remain vigilant for this rare complication of influenza B virus infection.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Newland et al. (2003) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: