Nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and zinc concentrations in influenza-associated encephalopathy in children with different sequela

NOx (NO2 and NO3) in CSF obtained from 22 patients with influenza-associated encephalopathy were higher than those of a control group. Within the different prognosis, there were no significant differences in NOx levels. By analyzing the serum obtained from patients infected with influenza, including encephalopathy, with others, the serum zinc levels did show marked differences between them. Four out of eleven patients with influenza-associated encephalopathy showed low zinc levels below the normal range. However, there were no significant differences in the zinc levels between the group with sequela and without sequela. These results indicate that the increase of NOx levels detected in influenza-associated encephalopathy relates to the low zinc levels, and both low molecules might play an important role for the cause of encephalopathy.