The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
2017 , Vol 59 , Num 5
Complete paralytic botulism mimicking a deep coma in a child
1 Departments of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey2 Departments of Neurology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey DOI : 10.24953/turkjped.2017.05.012 Azapağası E, Kendirli T, Öz-Tuncer G, Albayrak P, Teber S, Deda G. Complete paralytic botulism mimicking a deep coma in a child. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 581-585.
Botulism is a rare cause of neuroparalysis. Delay in diagnosis and treatment exerts adverse impact on mortality and morbidity. We report a child with complete flaccid paralysis followed by progression to coma-like consciousness. The patient required mechanical ventilation. As serological tests could not be performed, detailed history and physical examinations led to the suspicion of botulism, and repetitive nerve stimulation tests supported the diagnosis. Botulinum antitoxin was administered. The patient`s neuromuscular function improved rapidly.
Keywords : Clostridium botulinum, food-borne botulism, paralysis, coma