Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40369424›Full record

ReviewBMC infectious diseases2025

Case report of brain death in a child due to COVID-19 and literature review.

Tiantian Xu, Tian Liang, Jiamin Zhang, Yuqing Yan, Lianwei Lu, Lu Kuang, Changbing Wang, Misi Xiao, Yi Chen, Bing Zhu

Abstract readCase ReportsReview
In one paragraph

Review in BMC infectious diseases, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Tiantian XuCenter Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
Tian LiangGuangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
Jiamin ZhangGuangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
Yuqing YanGuangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
Lianwei LuDepartment of Radiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
Lu KuangCenter Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
Changbing WangCenter Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
Misi XiaoCenter Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
Yi ChenCenter Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
Bing ZhuCenter Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China. ZhuBing0327@hotmail.com.

Funding

Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Project 202201020628
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeAlthough COVID-19 typically presents with respiratory symptoms, it can also lead to severe neurological manifestations in children. While case reports of COVID-19-associated encephalopathy (including acute necrotizing encephalopathy) have increasingly appeared, gaps remain regarding optimal management strategies and outcome predictors for children with rapid-onset neurological decline. This report aims to underscore the critical need for standardized clinical approaches to severe pediatric COVID-19-related encephalopathy.

methodsIn this case report, We detail the case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with fever, rash, headache, and recurrent seizures. Her diagnostic workup included polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 and a range of neurological assessments: contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) to evaluate structural changes, transcranial Doppler ultrasound to assess intracranial hemodynamics, and electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor electrical activity. Intensive therapeutic measures-encompassing mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, antimicrobial agents, and corticosteroids-were initiated. In addition, a targeted narrative literature review of pediatric COVID-19-associated neurological complications was conducted to contextualize this presentation.

resultsThe patient tested positive for COVID-19;imaging revealed brain edem, and EEG suggested brain death. Despite aggressive critical care interventions, her condition did not improve, ultimately resulting in brain death. Our review of current literature revealed several reported instances of acute necrotizing encephalopathy in pediatric COVID-19, highlighting a growing body of evidence on the potential for severe central nervous system sequelae.

conclusionThis case highlights the importance of early recognition and close neurological surveillance in pediatric patients with COVID-19. Although accumulating evidence describes COVID-19-related neurological complications such as acute necrotizing encephalopathy, uncertainties persist regarding definitive treatment protocols and long-term outcomes. Greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms and standardized management pathways is imperative to improve prognosis in this vulnerable population. CLINICAL TRIAL: Not applicable.

Indexed as

Brain DeathCOVID-19ChildElectroencephalographyFemaleHumansSARS-CoV-2Tomography, X-Ray ComputedCase reportChildrenCOVID-19EncephalitisImmune response

Identifiers

PMID40369424
PMCPMC12079884

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.