Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood associated with transient neurologic deficit: Report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: Patients with transient erythroblastopenia of childhood (TEC) may also have a transient neurologic disorder. We present a case history and propose a mechanism for this syndrome. Patient and Methodology: We describe a 20-month-old girl with TEC and transient hemiparesis. Records from the period January 1993 through December 1994 were reviewed to identify other patients with TEC and to determine whether neurologic deficits were noted in these cases. Results: Of seven patients diagnosed with TEC over a 2-year period, only one had a neurologic deficit. This child's hemiparesis resolved within 24 h after the appearance of her symptoms. Her TEC resolved within 4 weeks, without long-term sequelae. Our experience and review of the literature suggest that focal neurologic deficits in TEC patients are uncommon, transient, lack long-term sequelae, and usually resolve prior to hematologic recovery. Conclusions: Previous reports suggested that the anaemia resulting from TEC might induce neurologic deficits. We suggest an alternative mechanism in which viral infection triggers a host immune response that independently leads to both TEC and neurologic abnormalities. Future studies should address the role of vital infection in TEC patients with focal neuropathies.