Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Characteristics and Outcomes of 2014 and 2016 Cases at a Single Center

J Pediatr. 2019 Dec:215:272-276.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.07.015. Epub 2019 Aug 8.

Abstract

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare condition associated with spinal cord gray matter abnormalities and frequent persistent motor deficits in the limbs. We present our experience with the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of affected children in 2014 and 2016, emphasizing features that should trigger early consideration of AFM. Early viral testing may increase the rate of detecting associated viruses.

Keywords: acute flaccid myelitis; enterovirus; myelitis; pediatric; weakness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / virology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA, Viral
  • Diagnostic Errors / statistics & numerical data
  • Enterovirus / genetics
  • Enterovirus / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Fluoxetine / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Myelitis / diagnosis*
  • Myelitis / therapy*
  • Myelitis / virology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / therapy*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / virology
  • Plasma Exchange
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Recovery of Function
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Cord / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Fluoxetine
  • Methylprednisolone

Supplementary concepts

  • acute flaccid myelitis