Influenza A virus associated with acute encephalopathy
L. Delorme and P. J. Middleton
During the period of February 1972 until February 1976, we documented six
cases of influenza A-associated acute encephalopathy. The illnesses
occurred during periods of influenza A activity in our community. The
encephalopathy was invariably preceded by an upper respiratory tract
infection, and, thereafter, patients soon became confused, vomited, and
showed noticeable restlessness. Patients then followed either of two
courses, some becoming comatose within 24 hours and others improving
rapidly within three days or less. None of these patients exhibited the
hepatic and biochemical abnormalities associated with Reye's syndrome. All
patients survived but some had sequelae. The syndrome of
influenza-associated acute encephalopathy deserves wider recognition.
