Did U.S. surveillance data from 2014 define acute flaccid myelitis as a distinct entity in children?
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) was recognized as a specific condition in children during 2014. This recognition came after reports of acute limb weakness in previously healthy children across the United States during an outbreak of severe respiratory disease caused by enterovirus D-68 3.
What the research says
Nationwide surveillance conducted between August and December 2014 identified 120 cases of AFM from 34 states 4. The study required cases to be under 21 years old with acute onset of limb weakness and spinal MRI showing lesions restricted to gray matter 4. Most patients experienced respiratory or febrile illness before developing limb weakness 4.
The 2014 outbreak coincided with a national outbreak of enterovirus D68-associated severe respiratory illness 4. Researchers used standardized clinical, epidemiologic, and radiologic information to define these cases 4. This systematic approach allowed health officials to distinguish AFM from other causes of paralysis 4.
Surveillance systems also noted that EV-D68 infections increased globally in recent years, with large outbreaks occurring in 2014 6. These outbreaks were associated temporally and geographically with an increase in clusters of AFM 6. A genetically distinct outbreak strain, clade B1, was associated with AFM 6.
What to ask your doctor
- What are the specific symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis that I should watch for in my child?
- How is acute flaccid myelitis diagnosed using MRI and other tests?
- What viruses are commonly linked to acute flaccid myelitis cases?
- What is the typical recovery timeline for children with acute flaccid myelitis?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Neurology and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.