Complications
In one study conducted in the US, 13% of children with primary human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 infection experienced seizures, which sometimes were prolonged or recurrent.[12] It is undetermined if these seizures are purely febrile seizure episodes or if there is another causative factor related to the infection itself.
Up to approximately one third of first-time childhood febrile seizures may be attributed to primary HHV-6 infection.[12][17]
The majority of isolated febrile seizures in otherwise healthy children do not require treatment or further workup, but consultation with a pediatrician is recommended in each case.
Emergency evaluation is recommended in the setting of more than one seizure episode, seizure episodes lasting >15 minutes, or seizures in conjunction with any other complicating factors.[27]
Reactivation occurs frequently in solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, most commonly in the first month after transplantation.
HHV-6 is also associated with encephalitis and related central nervous system disease in patients who are immunocompromised.[11][28]
The most common presentation of HHV-6 reactivation is either an asymptomatic or mild febrile illness, often with rash, in patients who are immunocompromised.
HHV-6 reactivation is more common in patients with advanced AIDS. There is controversy regarding whether HHV-6 infection is a factor in HIV disease progression.[5]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer