Serious Neurologic Events with Seasonal Influenza in Young Children
In this retrospective cohort, researchers found an overall incidence of serious influenza-associated neurologic events was 38.0 per 100,000 person-weeks of influenza. The most common serious neurologic event was seizure (34.5 per 100,000 influenza person-weeks of influenza, 95% CI 24.5-47.1) whereas encephalitis and ataxia/movement disorders were least common. Incidence rates were generally higher in children <2 years and significantly more common in children with neurologic conditions compared to those without neurologic conditions. Full Access: Academic Pediatrics
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Transmission as a Key Driver of Resistance to the New Tuberculosis Drugs
Researchers showed that despite the recent introduction of new regimens for the treatment of Multi resistance tuberculosis, resistance to these new antituberculosis drugs has already developed in at least 27 countries across four continents. Furthermore, a quarter of these cases involved patient-to-patient transmission. These findings call for improvements in diagnostic capacity, infection control, and surveillance. Full Access: NEJM
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Zonisamide Shows Promise for Hard-to-Treat Migraine in Children, Adolescents
Zonisamide, an antiseizure medication, may help prevent migraine attacks in children and adolescents, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) 77th Annual Meeting. A review of health records from one institution found that children and teens with difficult-to-treat migraine prescribed zonisamide experienced a reduction in monthly headache days, with the greatest benefit seen after at least 2 months of use. Full Access: AAN
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Texas announces first death in measles outbreak
The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting the first death from measles in the ongoing outbreak. The school-aged child who was not vaccinated had been hospitalized. As of Feb. 25, 124 cases of measles have been confirmed in the outbreak since late January. Most of the cases are in children. Eighteen people have been hospitalized over the course of the outbreak. Full Access: DHSH
