Journal of clinical virology : the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
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Case Reports
Severe form of encephalopathy associated with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in Japan.
Every year, an estimated 200-500 children in Japan develop influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE), and 10-30% of these children die. ⋯ The clinical course of the patients was characterized by an onset with mild neurological symptoms and rapid deterioration of consciousness into coma. Head CT revealed marked cerebral edema, often associated with brainstem lesions.
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Comparative Study
Early detection of influenza A and B infection in infants and children using conventional and fluorescence-based rapid testing.
The appropriate management of infants and children with influenza depends on the accurate and timely diagnosis, ideally at the point of care (POC). ⋯ Fluorescence-based rapid antigen testing provides a highly sensitive and specific tool for POC diagnostics of acute influenza in the paediatric age group, especially in infants and small children <2 years, when viral loads are at their peak and treatment decisions are imminent.
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The influenza virus causes seasonal epidemics which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid diagnostics tests (RDT) are frequently used to make a quick influenza diagnosis to confirm the clinical suspicion, despite their low sensitivity. ⋯ Compared to other RDTs, the Sofia Influenza A+B Fluorescence Immunoassay is a sensitive, and rapid method for the detection and discrimination between influenza A and B.
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Multicenter Study
Treatment of symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection beyond the neonatal period.
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Ganciclovir treatment in the neonatal period may prevent hearing deterioration in infants with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. However, there are hardly any data regarding antiviral treatment begun beyond the neonatal period. ⋯ Valganciclovir treatment is well tolerated. It may improve or preserve the auditory function of congenitally cytomegalovirus-infected patients treated beyond the neonatal period for at least one year after the beginning of antiviral treatment.