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Benign acute myositis (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Very low urgency
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It is an acute viral process in children characterized by pain and muscle weakness in the lower limbs. It impairs the mobility of the legs causing a tip-toe ride, with knees flexed, or even completely preventing walking.

The cause is a previous respiratory infection by influenza A and B virus, parainfluenza, cytomegalovirus, rubella virus or retrovirus. It is believed that when the child has difficulty to walk without having received a blow or have exercised intensely that this may explain it.

The first symptoms are respiratory (mucus, stuffy nose, fever, cough ..) and after 3-5 days, the rest of the symptoms appear: weakness and functional impotence of the legs and strong pain of twins.

It is diagnosed by physical examination and blood tests.

The treatment is symptomatic, based on regular hydration, rest, analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Symptoms subside at 24-48h.

If you suspect acute myositis and have any of the above symptoms, see a pediatrician to treat the symptoms.

Bibliographic references
  1. S. Arias, I. López, A. B. Pozuelo, I. Adrados. Miositis viral aguda. Mediam 2002; 12(7):71-72.
  2. F. Cavagnaro, I. Harwardt, A. Aird, C. Gloria. Miositis aguda benigna de la infancia. Serie clínica y revisión de la literatura. Rev Chil Pediatr 2016; 197(1):1-6.
  3. E. Rodríguez , L. Sabaj, L. Schargrodsky. Miositis benigna aguda: una inusual causa de impotencia funcional en pediatría. Rev Hosp Ninos 2011; 53:162-6.
  4. M. M. Álvarez, M. J. Moreno, J. Álvarez, I. Obando. Miositis aguda postinflueza en niños. Aten Primaria 1997; 20(4): 210-1.
  5. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Viral myositis; [citado el 12 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/viral-myositis?source=search_result&search=miositis+aguda+benigna&selectedTitle=2~15.
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Symptoms

    Pain in the calf

    Difficulty walking

    Loss of strength in legs

    Loss of strength increase when the same exercise is repeated

    Tired legs

Symptoms to watch out for

Numbness or tingling of the lower limbs from the feet up.
Cramp-like pain or tenderness
Difficulty walking without help

Self-care

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.
Use over-the-counter analgesics and antipyretics for muscle pain or fever (temperature > 100.4 F).
Eat a balanced diet: increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and white meats, and reduce consumption of fatty and fried foods.
For nasal congestion and runny nose, use nasal inhalers containing antihistamines and/or decongestants.
Do not take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
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