Efficacy of plasma exchange and methylprednisolone pulse therapy on influenza-associated encephalopathy.
Patients with a new type of influenza-associated encephalopathy with high mortality are increasing in Japan and the United States. We present three patients treated with methyprednisolone pulse treatment and plasma exchange to remove cytokines, and all three patients recovered without severe sequela. IL-6 decreased dramatically after the start of the plasma exchange and methyprednisolone. Therefore when influenza-associated encephalopathy is actually diagnosed, steroid pulse therapy should be started at an early stage, and when signs of DIC and/or MOF appear, plasma exchange is recommended to remove the cytokines and NOx.
Kawashima
Hisashi
H
Department of Paediatrics, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan. hisashi@tokyo-med.ac.jp
Togashi
Takehiro
T
Yamanaka
Gaku
G
Nakajima
Mitsuhiro
M
Nagai
Makoto
M
Aritaki
Kentarou
K
Kashiwagi
Yasuyo
Y
Takekuma
Kouji
K
Hoshika
Akinori
A
D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D020551:Pulse Therapy, Drug; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016207:Cytokines; D015850:Interleukin-6; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone