Influenza A induced acute autonomic neuropathy in an adolescent

Pediatr Neurol. 2010 Dec;43(6):425-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2010.06.011.

Abstract

Influenza A may cause serious neurologic complications, but an autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy has rarely been reported. Autoantibodies that impair synaptic transmission in the autonomic ganglia may cause orthostatic hypotension, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and sudomotor dysfunction. A 15-year-old girl developed severe and persisting orthostatic hypotension during influenza A infection. Removal of circulating antibodies by a single course of intravenous immunoglobulin resulted in rapid and complete recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / therapy
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / virology*
  • Female
  • Ganglia, Autonomic / virology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Influenza A virus
  • Influenza, Human / complications*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous