The current issue of Arch Dis Child has three articles concerning neurologic abnormalities associated with infections:

Behavior and cognitive outcomes from middle ear disease [1]. Otitis media with effusion (OME) or “glue ear”, the most common cause of hearing loss in children, is associated with an increased incidence of behavioral disorders (mainly neurotic and hyperactive behaviors, and clumsiness) at 5 years of age, and language and speech articulation problems at 10 years. Effects are modest but significant, emphasizing need for increased awareness of parents and preschool teachers, early referral, and perhaps more vigorous physician treatment of recurrent otitis media.

Long term neurological outcome of herpes encephalitis [2]. Persistent neurological sequelae occurred in 10 of 28 children with HSE, followed for a mean of 5 years, and 2 died. A low Glasgow coma score is a risk factor for a poor outcome; a score over 10 predicts no neurologic sequelae and a good prognosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are emphasized. PCR is the accepted preferred diagnostic test.

Acute cerebellar ataxia with human parvovirus B19 infection [3]. A first case-report of a 2 year-old boy with ACA and erythema infectiosum caused by PVB19.