title: Heightened neurologic complications in children with pandemic H1N1 influenza.
abstract: The 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) has been recognized to cause neurological complications including seizures and encephalopathy. We identified 18 children with 2009 H1N1 influenza and neurological complications from first and second wave activity, and compared characteristics to seasonal influenza. Seizures, encephalopathy, and status epilepticus were common presentations. Focal neurological symptoms persisted in 22% of patients at discharge. Compared to seasonal influenza, patients with pandemic 2009 influenza were more likely to have encephalopathy, focal neurological findings, aphasia, and abnormal electroencephalographic findings. In addition, we noted a trend toward heightened neurological complications following second wave influenza activity.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Ekstrand
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Herbener
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rawlings
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Turney
authors.forename: Krow
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ampofo
authors.forename: E Kent
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Korgenski
authors.forename: Joshua L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bonkowsky
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D058873:Pandemics