Treatment of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009-associated encephalopathy in children.

Authors :: Kawashima H
Morichi S
Okumara A
Nakagawa S
Morishima T
Source :: Scandinavian journal of infectious diseases [Scand J Infect Dis] 2012 Dec; Vol. 44 (12), pp. 941-7. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Jul 25.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: Background: The novel pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus (influenza A(H1N1)pdm09) caused an epidemic of critical illness, with some patients developing fatal encephalopathy as well as pneumonia.<br />Methods: To investigate the actual efficacy of treatments, we investigated data from questionnaires regarding 207 cases that occurred between September 2009 and February 2010.<br />Results: The outcomes were recorded in 188 of the 207 cases; 16 of 188 patients died, while 23 had sequelae. Anti-influenza drugs in patients with severe coma (Glasgow coma scale score of ≤ 8) were statistically effective. In 165 out of 199 cases, steroid pulse treatment with methylprednisolone was given at an early stage. Other intensive treatments were mostly administered in serious cases.<br />Conclusions: Controlled studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of other treatments except for anti-influenza drugs.

Subjects :: Child
Child, Preschool
Encephalitis, Viral mortality
Female
Humans
Influenza, Human mortality
Influenza, Human virology
Male
Surveys and Questionnaires
Survival Analysis
Treatment Outcome
Anti-Inflammatory Agents administration & dosage
Antiviral Agents administration & dosage
Encephalitis, Viral drug therapy
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype isolation & purification
Influenza, Human complications

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