A recent case series reported on 41 US children who died or suffered severe brain damage from influenza-related acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), despite receiving multiple treatments. The study, published in JAMA, found that most children were previously healthy and had not been vaccinated against flu.
The researchers analyzed data from 23 US hospitals and found that ANE causes brain swelling and an overactive immune response. Symptoms included fever, seizures, and liver damage. Laboratory tests revealed high levels of liver enzymes and low blood platelets.
Most patients received multiple immunomodulatory treatments, but the best approach to preventing ANE is seasonal flu vaccination, according to Dr. Kevin Van Haren of Stanford Medicine. “Rapid treatment key to survival,” he said in a statement.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-general/report-describes-rare-type-deadly-flu-related-brain-damage-kids