SEVERE OUTCOME OF INFLUENZA A H1N1 RHOMBENCEPHALITIS IN A 6-YEAR-OLD CHILD CASE REPORT

Vișan Angelica ^1,2, Drăgănescu Anca ¹, Negulescu Cristina ¹, Bilașco Anuţa ¹, Vasile Magdalena ¹, Măntescu Ruxandra ¹, Merișescu Mădălina ², Slavu Diana ¹, Dogaru Cornelia ¹, Marinescu Violeta ¹, Luminos Monica ^1,2
1 National Institute of Infectious Diseases Prof. Dr. Matei Bals’ Bucharest, Romania
² University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’, Bucharest, Romania

Abstract

Introduction: Influenza infection is extremely common, but despite being usually self-limited, the frequent occurrence of epidemics entails a considerable economic burden. Influenza-associated encephalopathy/encephalitis is relatively rare, but carries significant morbidity and mortality. Case report:We report the case of a 6-year-old girl admitted to the intensive care unit of the National Institute ofInfectious Diseases ”Prof. Dr. Matei Balş” with acute rhombencephalitis following influenza A H1N1infection. The child survived but with severe neurological sequelae. Conclusions: Improving primary health care assistance from the point of view of prophylaxis through vaccination programs and improving patient management from the first signs of illness can lead to reducing the number of illnesses, but also to reducing the number of severe or complicated cases of influenza virus infection.