Neuropediatrics 2002; 33(5): 262-265
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36736
Short Communication

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Hypercytokinemia in Hemiconvulsions-Hemiplegia Syndrome Associated with Dual Infection with Varicella Zoster and Epstein-Barr Viruses

H. Wakamoto 1 , M. Ohta 1 , N. Nakano 1
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Ehime Prefecture Niihama Hospital, Ehime, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 7 January 2002

Accepted after Revision: 27 May 2002

Publication Date:
21 January 2003 (online)

Abstract

Hemiconvulsions-hemiplegia (HH) syndrome is an acquired condition in which hemiplegia develops after a preceding febrile unilateral status epilepticus in a previously healthy child. Although viral encephalitis or vascular diseases may be the underlying etiology, the pathogenesis remains unknown in the majority of cases. We measured both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid cytokine levels in a girl with HH syndrome, and found elevated plasma concentrations of soluble interleukin-2 receptor and tumor necrosis factor-α, and a slightly increased plasma level of interleukin-6. Furthermore, she had a high serum concentration of soluble E-selectin, which is a marker of inflammatory endothelial activation. These findings suggest that proinflammatory cytokine-induced cerebrovascular endothelial injury could play a role in the pathogenesis of HH syndrome.

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M. D. Hiroyuki Wakamoto

Department of Pediatrics · Ehime Prefecture Niihama Hospital

3-1-1 Hongo

Niihama City, Ehime 792-0042

Japan

Email: wakamot@mail2.netwave.or.jp