Case series of severe neurologic sequelae of Ebola virus disease during epidemic, Sierra Leone

Howlett, P. J. et al. (2018) Case series of severe neurologic sequelae of Ebola virus disease during epidemic, Sierra Leone. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 24(8), pp. 1412-1421. (doi: 10.3201/eid2408.171367) (PMID:30014839)

Abstract

We describe a case series of 35 Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors during the epidemic in West Africa who had neurologic and accompanying psychiatric sequelae. Survivors meeting neurologic criteria were invited from a cohort of 361 EVD survivors to attend a preliminary clinic. Those whose severe neurologic features were documented in the preliminary clinic were referred for neurology specialist evaluation, ophthalmology examination, and psychiatric assessment. Of 35 survivors with neurologic sequelae, 13 had migraine headache, 2 stroke, 2 peripheral sensory neuropathy, and 2 peripheral nerve lesions. Of brain computed tomography scans of 17 patients, 3 showed cerebral and/or cerebellar atrophy and 2 confirmed strokes. Sixteen patients required mental health followup; psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in 5. The 10 patients who experienced greatest disability had co-existing physical and mental health conditions. EVD survivors may have ongoing central and peripheral nervous system disorders, including previously unrecognized migraine headaches and stroke.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was supported by the Wellcome Enhancing Research Activity in Epidemic Situations Grants (reference: 107779/Z/15/B) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections at University of Liverpool in partnership with Public Health England, in collaboration with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Scott, Dr Janet
• Authors: Howlett, P. J., Walder, A. R., Lisk, D. R., Fitzgerald, F., Sevalie, S., Lado, M., N'jai, A., Brown, C. S., Sahr, F., Sesay, F., Read, J. M., Steptoe, P. J., Beare, N. A.V., Dwivedi, R., Solbrig, M., Deen, G. F., Solomon, T., Semple, M. G., and Scott, J. T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• ISSN: 1080-6040
• ISSN (Online): 1080-6059
• Published Online: 11 July 2018
• Copyright Holders: Materials published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, including text, figures, tables, and photographs are in the public domain and can be reprinted or used without permission with proper citation
• First Published: First published in Emerging Infectious Diseases 24(8):1412-1421
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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