%0 Journal Article
%T Characteristics and outcome of influenza-associated encephalopathy/encephalitis among children in China.
%A Yang M
%A Yi L
%A Jia F
%A Zeng X
%A Liu Z
%J Clinics (Sao Paulo)
%V 79
%N 0
%D 2024 Aug 2
%M 39096859
%F 2.898
%R 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100475
%X Influenza-Associated Encephalopathy/Encephalitis (IAE) is characterized by high incidence and poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical features and outcomes of IAE in pediatric patients.<BR>We performed a retrospective review of hospitalized cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection between January 2018 and December 2021. Demographic, clinical, imaging, treatment and outcome data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.<BR>Of 446 children hospitalized with influenza, 71 cases were identified with a diagnosis of IAE. The median age was 3 years and 46 (64.8 %) were younger than 5 years. Only one patient was vaccinated for seasonal influenza. 46 (64.8 %) patients had abnormal electroencephalogram examination and 47 (66.2 %) had abnormal brain MRI or CT findings. 68 (95.8 %) patients were treated with oseltamivir/peramivir. 12 (16.9 %) patients suffered mortality. Non-survivors were more likely to have lower Glasgow coma score (median 7), longer duration of fever (median 3 days), with underlying medical conditions (P = 0.006), and complications including sepsis (P = 0.003), shock (P < 0.001), respiratory failure (P = 0.006), acute renal failure (P = 0.001), myocardial damage (P < 0.001), coagulation disorders (P = 0.03), electrolyte disturbance (P = 0.001) and hyperlactacidemia (P = 0.003). Non-survivors had higher percentages of corticosteroids (P = 0.003) and immunoglobulin (P = 0.003) treatments compared to survivors.<BR>Children with IAE have a high mortality rate. Lower Glasgow coma score, longer duration of fever, with underlying medical conditions and complications pose a great risk to poor prognosis. Influenza vaccination is recommended to all eligible children.