Pediatr Infect Vaccine.  2023 Dec;30(3):180-187. 10.14776/piv.2023.30.e19.

The Case of Successful Recovery From Severe Encephalitis in a COVID-19 Pediatric Patient in Korea

• Kim E
• Ki SH
• Jung HN
• Yoon Y
• Eun B

• KMID: 2551469
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/piv.2023.30.e19

Abstract

In Korea, >90% of children and adolescents aged <19 years have been infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) since 2020. Among confirmed cases of pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), 40–60% of patients developed neurologic symptoms such as seizures, headache, and encephalitis. Herein, we report the case of a 3-year-old female patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection who presented with seizures and altered consciousness and was diagnosed with COVID-19 encephalitis. The patient recovered after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, high-dose steroids, anti-seizure drugs, and an anti-viral agent. She was discharged after regaining the ability to speak words and walk alone on hospital day 39. Complete recovery was observed at the 1-year follow-up. The findings in this case suggest that early detection and active intervention is associated with better outcomes in patients with COVID-19 encephalitis.

Keyword

COVID-19; Encephalitis; Seizure; Child