Microbiologic Findings in Acute Facial Palsy in Children

Clinical characteristics of children with Borrelia-related peripheral facial palsy and utility of cerebrospinal fluid testing

AIM

To describe the aetiology and clinical characteristics of acute peripheral facial palsy (PFP) in children and investigate the utility of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) criteria for diagnosing Borrelia-related PFP (BPFP) based on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria based on serology.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified children aged <18 years diagnosed with acute PFP between 2014 and 2020. We used the EFNS criteria as the gold standard and the CDC criteria for diagnosing BPFP.

RESULTS

Out of 257 children with PFP, 93 (36%) fulfilled the EFNS or CDC criteria for BPFP. We found a discrepancy between the EFNS criteria with CSF testing and the CDC without CSF testing in 27 (14%) of the 190 children with available data. Of the 37 children with PFP and ≥2 symptoms of fever, fatigue, nausea/vomiting or meningeal symptoms, 31 (84%) fulfilled the EFNS criteria for BPFP.

CONCLUSION

Borrelia is a common cause of PFF in children, and its prevalence is higher in children with systemic symptoms. Also, CSF testing did not have decisive management implications in most cases. Therefore, clinical evaluation and Borrelia serology could be the initial steps in the diagnosis of PFP in children.

The Incidence of Lyme Borreliosis Among Children

BACKGROUND

First recognized in children in the United States, Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most prevalent tickborne illness in North America and Europe. However, the incidence of LB in children, including geographic variation and difference from that in adults, is incompletely described.

METHODS

We compiled surveillance data from public health agency websites reporting age-stratified LB case data, which was combined with census data to derive incidence estimates. Additional incidence estimates were obtained through a systematic literature review.

RESULTS

We identified 18 surveillance systems and 15 published studies for derivation of LB incidence in children. National incidence of >10 cases in children per 100,000 per year were estimated for the United States and parts of Eastern, Western and Northern Europe. However, there was substantial variation in incidence among countries in some European regions. National incidence estimates from the literature largely aligned with estimates from surveillance. Surveillance-reported pediatric incidence was lower than adult incidence in adults in 8 countries, similar to adult incidence in 3 countries, and higher than adult incidence in 1 country. Among all pediatric age strata, the 5-9 years of age stratum had the highest proportion of pediatric cases in most countries.

CONCLUSIONS

As pediatric LB represents a substantial proportion of overall LB incidence across countries in Europe and North America, LB prevention and control efforts should target pediatric as well as adult populations. However, better data are needed to fully characterize the difference in incidence across geographic regions.

Çocuklarda idiyopatik periferik fasiyal sinir paralizisinde steroid tedavisinin etkinliği ve prognostik faktörlerin belirlenmesi

Purpose: The aim of the study is intended to investigate the etiology and clinical features of children with idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (IPFP) and to identify probable prognostic factors. It is also intended to investigate corticosteroid therapy and compare its efficacy. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 patients with newly diagnosed IPFP were included in the study. Demographic, clinical features and laboratory findings including age, gender, House Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System (HBGS) grade at admission and follow-up, and the dosage and onset of steroid treatment were reviewed. We assigned our patients to 3 groups: Group 1: Patients given 1 mg/kg oral steroid treatment (1 mg/kg/day oral prednisolone). Group 2: Patients given 2 mg/kg oral steroid treatment (2 mg/kg/day oral prednisolone), and Group 3: Patients who did not receive oral steroid treatment. Results: A total of 80 children (41 girls and 39 boys) with a median age of 11 years were included in the study. The complete recovery was detected in %78,8(n:63) with IPFP. Of all patients, 78.8% (n=63) showed complete recovery. Admission after more than 24 hours was found to reduce the likelihood of ER by 10 times (1/0.10), while patients with HBGS grade of 5 were found to be 33.3 times (1/0.03) less likely to achieve ER than patients with HBGS grades of 2 to 3. Finally, steroid treatment at 2 mg/kg/d increased the probability of early recovery by 8.38 times. Conclusion: The prognosis of IPFP in children was very good. The prognostic factors affecting the early recovery were being HBGS grade 2 or 3 on the 21th day and receiving steroid treatment in the first 24 hours and 2 mg/kg/d dose.

Facial palsy in children: long-term outcome assessed face-to-face and follow-up revealing high recurrence rate

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term (minimum of 2 years from the palsy onset) outcome of pediatric facial palsy by patient questionnaire and face-to-face assessment by the Sunnybrook facial grading system, House-Brackmann grading system, and Facial Nerve Grading System 2.0. To compare the outcome results of self-assessment with the face-to-face assessment. To assess the applicability of the grading scales. To assess the palsy recurrence rate (minimum of a 10-year follow-up).

METHODS

46 consecutive pediatric facial palsy patients: 38 (83%) answered the questionnaire and 25 (54%) attended a follow-up visit. Chart review of 43 (93%) after a minimum of 10 years for the facial palsy recurrence rate assessment.

RESULTS

Of the 25 patients assessed face-to-face, 68% had totally recovered but 35% of them additionally stated subjective sequelae in a self-assessment questionnaire. Good recovery was experienced by 80% of the patients. In a 10-year follow-up, 14% had experienced palsy recurrence, only one with a known cause. Sunnybrook was easy and logical to use, whereas House-Brackmann and the Facial Nerve Grading System 2.0 were incoherent.

CONCLUSIONS

Facial palsy in children does not heal as well as traditionally claimed if meticulously assessed face-to-face. Patients widely suffer from subjective sequelae affecting their quality of life. Palsy recurrence was high, much higher than previously reported even considering the whole lifetime. Of these three grading systems, Sunnybrook was the most applicable.

Revisión sistemática sobre la prevalencia de la serología infecciosa en la parálisis facial periférica

Introducción y objetivos. La parálisis facial periférica es una afección del Nervio Facial que suele cursar con dolor retroauricular, pródromos vitales y parálisis facial. Ante la falta de bibliografía sobre la etiología de dicha parálisis se propuso realizar una revisión sistemática orientada a conocer la prevalencia serológica de la parálisis facial periférica en los diferentes estudios publicados incluyendo el realizado en esta facultad el curso anterior. Materiales y métodos. Revisión sistemática y metanálisis de los estudios publicados sobre la confirmación de una parálisis facial periférica por serología positiva. Resultados. Un total de 628 pacientes fueron analizados, de los cuáles 76 tenían serología positiva (12,10%). El metanálisis muestra heterogeneidad entre los resultados y sesgo de publicación. Conclusiones. No se evidencia que haya una relación significativa entre una parálisis facial periférica y una serología positiva reciente por lo que no se obtendría beneficio con un tratamiento antiviral.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of viruses, bacteria, and fungi in the epineurium of the facial nerve with Bell's palsy patients

Bell's palsy (BP) represents a major cause leading to facial paralysis in the world. The etiology of BP is still unknown, and virology is the prevailing theory. The purpose of this study is to explore the pathogenic microorganisms that may be related to BP, and it is of great significance to study the pathogenesis and treatment of BP. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) detection was performed in the epineurium of the facial nerve of 30 BP patients who underwent facial nerve epineurium decompression. A total of 84 pathogenic microorganisms were detected in 30 clinical samples, including 4 viruses, 10 fungi, and 70 bacteria. The species with the highest detection frequency in virus was human betaherpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). The species with the highest detection frequency in Fungi was Malassezia restricta. The species with the highest detection frequency in Bacteria was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, mNGS method was firstly used to detect the pathogenic microorganisms in the epineurium of the facial nerve with BP patients. We have for the first time identified HHV-7 and aspergillus in the epineurium of the facial nerve of BP patients. These results suggest that these two pathogenic microorganisms should be considered in the pathogenesis of BP.

High frequency of paediatric facial nerve palsy due to Lyme disease in a geographically endemic region

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic facial nerve palsy (FNP) is an uncommon but important presentation in children, with Lyme disease known to be a common cause. The UK county of Hampshire is a high incidence area of Lyme disease. We conducted a retrospective review of the investigation and management of paediatric FNP at a large University hospital, including serologic testing and treatment of Lyme disease.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of children under 18 presenting between January 1st^, 2010 and December 31st^, 2017 with a diagnosis of FNP. Patients with clear non-Lyme aetiology at presentation were excluded. Data was collected on demographics, initial presentation, investigations including Lyme serology, and management.

RESULTS

A total of 93 children were identified, with an even proportion of male to female and median age 9.3 years (IQR 4.6-12 years). A history of rash was present in 5.4%, tick bite in 14% and recent travel to, or residence in the New Forest in 22.6%. Lyme serology was performed in 81.7% of patients, of which 29% were positive. Antibiotics were prescribed for 73.1% of patients, oral steroids for 44% and aciclovir for 17.2%.

CONCLUSION

Lyme disease is a significant cause of FNP in this endemic area of the UK, and there was a large degree of variability in management prior to national guideline publication. Areas with endemic Lyme disease should consider introducing local guidelines supporting routine investigation and management for FNP, including empiric treatment for Lyme disease in accordance with NICE guidelines to improve care and reduce variability.

Infectious causes of peripheral facial nerve palsy in children-a retrospective cohort study with long-term follow-up

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics of children with peripheral facial nerve palsy (pFP) with a focus on identifying infectious etiology and long-term outcome. We conducted an ICD-10-based retrospective chart review on children hospitalized with pFP between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2016. Furthermore, a telephone-based follow-up survey was performed. A total of 158 patients were identified, with a median age of 10.9 years (interquartile range 6.4-13.7). An infectious disease was associated with pFP in 82 patients (51.9%); 73 cases were classified as idiopathic pFP (46.2%). Three cases occurred postoperatively or due to a peripheral tumor. Among the infectious diseases, we identified 33 cases of neuroborreliosis and 12 viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS), caused by the varicella-zoster virus, human herpesvirus 6, herpes simplex virus, enterovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Other infections were mainly respiratory tract infections (RTIs; 37 cases). Children with an associated CNS infection had more often headache and nuchal rigidity, a higher cerebrospinal fluid cell count, and a longer length of hospital stay. Long-term follow-up revealed an associated lower risk of relapse in CNS infection-associated pFP. Among all groups, permanent sequelae were associated with female sex, a shorter length of hospitalization, and a lower white blood cell count at presentation. pFP is frequently caused by an CNS infection or is associated with concurrent RTIs, with a potential impact on the short- and long-term clinical course.

Comparison of conservative therapy and steroid therapy for Bell's palsy in children

Purpose

Bell’s palsy is characterized by sudden onset of unilateral facial weakness. The use of corticosteroids for childhood Bell’s palsy is controversial. This study aimed to identify clinical characteristics, etiology, and laboratory findings in childhood Bell’s palsy, and to evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroid treatment.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of children under 19 years of age treated for Bell’s palsy between January 2009 and June 2017, and followed up for over 1 month. Clinical characteristics, neuroimaging data, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes were reviewed. Patients with Bell’s palsy were divided into groups with (group 1) and without (group 2) corticosteroid treatment. Differences in onset age, sex, laterality, infection and vaccination history, degree of facial nerve palsy, and prognosis after treatment between the groups were analyzed.

Results

One hundred patients were included. Mean age at presentation was 7.4±5.62 years. A total of 73 patients (73%) received corticosteroids with or without intravenous antiviral agents, and 27 (27%) received only supportive treatment. There was no significant difference in the severity, laboratory findings, or neuroimaging findings between the groups. Significant improvement was observed in 68 (93.2%) and 26 patients (96.3%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively; this rate was not significantly different between the groups (P=0.48).

Conclusion

Childhood Bell’s palsy showed good prognosis with or without corticosteroid treatment; there was no difference in prognosis between treated and untreated groups. Steroid therapy in childhood Bell’s palsy may not significantly improve outcomes.

Diagnostic Lumbar Puncture Among Children With Facial Palsy in a Lyme Disease Endemic Area

We identified 620 children with peripheral facial palsy of which 211 (34%) had Lyme disease. The 140 children who had a lumbar puncture performed were more likely to be hospitalized (73% LP performed vs 2% no LP) and to receive parenteral antibiotics (62% LP performed vs 6% no LP).

Vaccination of healthcare workers: A review

Vaccine-preventable diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. As new vaccines are proving to be effective and as the incidence of some infections decreases, vaccination practices are changing. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are particularly exposed to and play a role in nosocomial transmission, which makes them an important target group for vaccination. Most vaccine-preventable diseases still carry a significant risk of resurgence and have caused outbreaks in recent years. While many professional societies favor vaccination of HCWs as well as the general population, recommendations differ from country to country. In turn, vaccination coverage varies widely for each microorganism and for each country, making hospitals and clinics vulnerable to outbreaks. Vaccine mandates and non-mandatory strategies are the subject of ongoing research and controversies. Optimal approaches to increase coverage and turn the healthcare workforce into an efficient barrier against infectious diseases are still being debated.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Acute Head and Neck Infections

This article discusses the use of MR imaging in various acute infectious diseases of the head and neck, with particular emphasis on situations where MR imaging provides additional information that can significantly impact treatment decisions and outcomes. MR imaging findings of various disease processes are discussed, based on the head and neck compartments from which they originate. Specifically, infectious entities of the orbit, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, oral cavity (including periodontal disease), salivary glands, temporal bone, and lymph nodes are described in detail.

Steroid plus antiviral treatment for Bell's palsy

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of antiviral agents for the treatment of Bell's palsy is uncertain. We evaluated whether a steroid with an antiviral agent (S + A group) provided better recovery outcomes than a steroid alone (S group) in patients with Bell's palsy.

SUBJECTS AND DESIGN

A total of 1342 patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy who visited the Kyung Hee Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, from 2002 to 2012 were included in this study. Patients in the S + A group were treated with prednisolone and antiviral agents (n = 569) and those in the S group with prednisolone alone (n = 773). Outcomes were measured using the House-Brackmann (HB) scale according to age, initial disease severity, electroneurography (ENoG) findings and underlying comorbidities.

RESULTS

The rate of recovery (HB grades I and II) with initially severe Bell's palsy (HB grades V and VI) was higher in the S + A than in the S group (P = 0.001). However, the rates of recovery were similar with initially moderate palsy (HB grades II-IV) (P = 0.502). In patients classified according to age and ENoG-determined severity of palsy, the overall recovery rate was higher in the S + A than in the S group, but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05 for both). The recovery rate without diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) was higher in the S + A group than in the S group (P = 0.031). But in the patients with HTN and DM, the difference in recovery rates between the S + A and S groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.805).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with a steroid plus antiviral agent resulted in significantly higher recovery rates than steroid therapy alone in patients with initially severe Bell's palsy and without either HTN or DM, and a nonsignificant trend towards higher recovery rates in all patients with Bell's palsy in this study. Antiviral agents may therefore help in the treatment of Bell's palsy.