Plasmapheresis for Rescue in Severe Encephalopathy and Multiorgan Failure from Fulminant Influenza (H3N2) Infection

Rapid and severe neurologic deterioration due to influenza associated encephalopathy in a healthy child

Rapid neurologic deterioration is rare in healthy school age children, particularly in the absence of trauma or toxic exposure. Hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, infectious etiologies and metabolic causes must be emergently considered. We present the clinical details of a previously well child with two days of mild viral symptoms who progressed from playful and active to severe neurologic injury over the course of eight hours.