Rotavirus-Induced Seizures in Childhood

Abstract

Rotavirus infection is a frequent cause of gastroenteritis in children and accounts for significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the developing world. Less well recognized is the association of rotavirus-induced central nervous system dysfunction, which has been associated with seizure, encephalopathy, and death. Symptoms may vary widely, however, and children can experience short afebrile convulsions as the only manifestation of rotavirus encephalopathy. We report 4 further cases of rotavirus-induced seizures with mild neurologic manifestations. The condition is reviewed and practical management strategies are suggested.

Benign convulsions in children with mild gastroenteritis

“…This finding seems to indicate that, in terms of febrile seizures (FS), an immature CNS may favour the occurrence of CwG. 26 Moreover, although some cases have been reported in Europe 17,27 and America, 18,21,28,29 CwG has been more frequently described in East Asian countries, mainly in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong where it occurs in approximately 1% of all AGE cases. 8e16 This finding suggests that the genetic characteristics of the host may play a role in the development of CwG.…”

Reversible splenial lesion syndrome in children: Retrospective study and summary of case series

“…Furthermore, 3 out of 5 RV-infection associated cases in our study had afebrile seizures. DiFazio et al [20] also reported the children could experience afebrile convulsions as the only manifestation of RV encephalopathy.…”

Human Rotavirus-Specific IgM Memory B Cells Have Differential Cloning Efficiencies and Switch Capacities and Play a Role in Antiviral ImmunityIn Vivo

“…Chronic systemic rotavirus infection associated with hepatitis and renal disease has been reported on multiple occasions in children with severe combined immunodeficiency (24). Extraintestinal manifestations of RV infection, like mild hepatitis, are very common (31), while convulsions (associated with viral antigen in spinal fluid) occur sporadically (16,41). Modulation of the extent of systemic viral infection and its associated clinical sequelae is likely to be one of the effector functions of IgM ϩ mBc.…”