Neuromuscular disorders in severe acute respiratory syndrome
Journal
Archives of Neurology
Journal Volume
61
Journal Issue
11
Pages
1669-1673
Date Issued
2004
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective: To delineate and clarify neuromuscular disorders in patients with probable severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Design: Case series with follow-up ranging from 3 weeks to 2 months. Setting: National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei. Patients: We investigated 4 patients with SARS who had concomitant neuromuscular problems. A diagnosis of SARS was based on the demonstration of serum coronavirus antibodies. Clinical presentations, laboratory results, electrophysiologic findings, and follow-up conditions were determined. Results: Patients developed neuromuscular problems approximately 3 weeks after the onset of SARS. Two women experienced motor-predominant peripheral nerve disorders. A man developed myopathy and a third woman experienced neuropathy and myopathy. Cerebrospinal fluid obtained from 2 patients with neuropathy disclosed normal protein content and the absence of pleocytosis and SARS coronavirus antibodies. Both patients with myopathy had elevated serum creatine kinase levels. A rapid clinical and electrophysiologic improvement was evident during follow-up examinations, with a good prognosis. Conclusions: The neuromuscular problems in patients with SARS are considered to be critical-illness polyneuropathy or myopathy, possibly coexistent. Further pathological and microbiological studies are necessary to determine the relationship between SARS coronavirus and neuromuscular problems.
SDGs
Other Subjects
cefepime; cefotaxime; ciprofloxacin; cisatracurium; clarithromycin; clindamycin; creatine kinase; fluconazole; imipenem; levofloxacin; methylprednisolone; minocycline; moxifloxacin; oxacillin; ribavirin; vancomycin; virus antibody; adult; antibody blood level; article; case report; case study; clinical feature; Coronavirus; disease association; enzyme blood level; female; follow up; human; laboratory test; male; myopathy; peripheral neuropathy; pleocytosis; polyneuropathy; priority journal; protein cerebrospinal fluid level; severe acute respiratory syndrome; Adult; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Electrophysiology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neuromuscular Diseases; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Type
journal article