Encephalitis associated with influenza B virus infection in 2 children and a review of the literature.
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.
Newland
Jason G
JG
Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68171, USA.
Romero
José R
JR
Varman
Meera
M
Drake
Casey
C
Holst
Amy
A
Safranek
Tom
T
Subbarao
Kanta
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009981:Influenza B virus; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male