Corticosteroids for infectious mononucleosis.

Can Fam Physician

Published: February 2023

Question: Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common viral infection year round, and we see patients with it in our family medicine clinic frequently. With fatigue, fever, pharyngitis, and cervical or generalized lymphadenopathy causing prolonged illness and school absences, we always look for treatments that will shorten the duration of symptoms. Does treatment with corticosteroids benefit these children?

Answer: Current evidence points to small and inconsistent benefits when using corticosteroids for symptom relief in children with IM. Corticosteroids alone or in combination with antiviral medications should not be given to children for common symptoms of IM. Corticosteroids should be reserved for those with impending airway obstruction, autoimmune complications, or other severe circumstances.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9945889PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.46747/cfp.6902101DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

infectious mononucleosis
8
corticosteroids
5
corticosteroids infectious
4
mononucleosis question
4
question infectious
4
mononucleosis common
4
common viral
4
viral infection
4
infection year
4
year round
4

Similar Publications

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) and lymphomas in immunocompromised individuals represent significant clinical challenges, with a limited understanding of their pathogenesis. We investigated a PTLD cohort (n = 50) consisting of 'early lesions' (infectious mononucleosis-like PTLD, plasmacytic and follicular hyperplasias), polymorphic PTLD and post-transplant diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (PT-DLBCL). The study also included 15 DLBCL with autoimmune/immunocompromised backgrounds (IS-DLBCL) and 14 DLBCL, not otherwise specified (DLBCL, NOS), as control.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) usually causes mild, self-limiting, or asymptomatic infection in children, typically infectious mononucleosis. The severe course is more common in immunocompromised patients. Neurological complications of primary infection, reactivation of the latent infection, or immune-mediated are well-documented.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated With Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in an Immunocompetent Adult.

Cureus

December 2024

Department of Internal Medicine, Unidade Local de Saúde Entre Douro e Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, PRT.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but potentially fatal entity characterized by an unregulated activation of the immune system. In the adult population, it is most commonly secondary to infectious, autoimmune, or neoplastic diseases. We present a case of a 23-year-old female diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis and hospitalized due to a persistent three-week fever and malaise with a new onset of jaundice and findings compatible with acute hepatitis and hepatosplenomegaly.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infects over 95% of the world's population and is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis (IM). Epidemiologic studies have linked EBV with certain cancers or autoimmune conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent studies suggest that molecular mimicry between EBV proteins, particularly EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1), and self-proteins is a plausible mechanism through which EBV infection may contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is widespread and has been related to a variety of malignancies as well as infectious mononucleosis. Despite the lack of a vaccination, antiviral medications offer some therapy alternatives. The EBV BZLF1 gene significantly impacts viral replication and infection severity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!