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“To the Editor” COVID19-associated unilateral transient phrenic nerve palsy in a young child with respiratory failure
  • +7
  • Pierre Goussard,
  • Regan Solomons,
  • Magriet van Niekerk,
  • Noor Parker,
  • Carien Bekker,
  • Andre Gie,
  • M Van der Zalm,
  • Savvas Andronikou,
  • Helena Rabie,
  • Ronald van Toorn
Pierre Goussard
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Regan Solomons
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Magriet van Niekerk
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Noor Parker
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Carien Bekker
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Andre Gie
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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M Van der Zalm
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Savvas Andronikou
Department of Pediatric Radiology The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
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Helena Rabie
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Ronald van Toorn
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Abstract

We describe a case of unilateral phrenic nerve palsy due to SARS-COV-2 in a young child, which led to prolonged and complicated ventilation. The child was treated with methylprednisolone and IVIG, which led to a complete recovery of phrenic function. Temporary involvement of the phrenic nerve should be considered in children infected with SARS-COV-2 requiring prolonged ventilation. The phrenic nerve palsy is postulated to be due to peripheral nerve involvement by SARS-CoV-2. In South Africa, children under 12 years of age are not prioritized for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. This case re-iterates that even though SARS-CoV-2 disease is mild in the vast majority of children there are more severe presentations which, in low- or middle-income countries, might even go unrecognized.
14 May 2022Submitted to Pediatric Pulmonology
14 May 2022Submission Checks Completed
14 May 2022Assigned to Editor
29 May 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Jun 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
29 Jun 2022Editorial Decision: Accept