Abstract | OBJECTIVE: In Japan, >200 children with influenza virus-associated encephalopathy were reported in 1999 and the mortality rate was high. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNFalpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in both CSF and serum were significantly increased in severe cases. The authors found a correlation between elevated serum cytokine levels and mortality and neurologic morbidity. METHODS: RESULTS: The increases in the serum TNFalpha, IL-6, and sTNF-R1 levels were statistically significant at the onset of symptoms before therapy, but the IL-6 level was most useful for diagnosis. The serum IL-6 levels were >6,000 pg/mL in children with brain stem dysfunction, about 150 pg/mL in children without brain stem dysfunction, and <80 pg/mL in controls. The time course of the serum IL-6 level also reflected the clinical condition. Once the serum IL-6 level was increased to >15,000 pg/mL, none of the children survived. The lower the maximal serum IL-6 level, the milder the CNS sequelae. CONCLUSION: The serum IL-6 level may be the most useful indicator for the diagnosis and the clinical severity of influenza virus-associated encephalopathy.
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Authors | H Aiba, M Mochizuki, M Kimura, H Hojo |
Journal | Neurology
(Neurology)
Vol. 57
Issue 2
Pg. 295-9
(Jul 24 2001)
ISSN: 0028-3878 [Print] United States |
PMID | 11468315
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Brain Diseases
(blood, etiology)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Cytokines
(blood, cerebrospinal fluid)
- Female
- Humans
- Infant
- Influenza, Human
(complications)
- Interleukin-6
(blood, cerebrospinal fluid)
- Male
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Prognosis
- Time Factors
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