acyclovir and Dengue

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Dengue; Encephalitis, Viral; Endemic Diseases; Female; Humans; Middle Aged

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is usually associated with neuromyelitis optica and other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders but this is the first report linking it with dengue fever. Dengue infection can cause a variety of neurological complications which may result in poor recovery and long-term disability. The authors report here a patient who developed LETM in the para-infectious stage of dengue fever. The patient had a complicated clinical course resulting in severe paraparesis and urinary retention. Treatment with immunoglobulins and antiviral agents supported by a spell of early intensive rehabilitation programme produced excellent results in terms of recovery.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Anti-Infective Agents; Antiviral Agents; Azithromycin; Combined Modality Therapy; Dengue; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Myelitis, Transverse; Penicillins; Physical Therapy Modalities