National Children's Hospital warns of Influenza A complications

Medical professionals at the National Children's Hospital in Hanoi are warning of the dangers of Influenza A, specifically its link to Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy (ANE). A rare and rapidly progressing condition, ANE often follows viral infections where the body's immune response becomes excessive.

In a recent case, a 4-year-old girl died after contracting Influenza A. Following high fever and respiratory symptoms, she developed continuous seizures and coma. Despite intensive treatment including high-dose immunosuppressants, continuous blood filtration, and neurological resuscitation, the brain damage progressed too quickly for recovery.

Doctors note that ANE is a rare encephalopathy with a mechanism believed to involve a massive release of inflammatory cytokines. This overreaction can damage blood vessel endothelium, break the blood-brain barrier, and lead to brain edema, necrosis, coagulation disorders, and hemorrhage. The systemic inflammatory response can also impact the liver, kidneys, and respiratory systems.