Elevated Serum Uric Acid in norovirus-associated Benign Convulsions with Mild Gastroenteritis in Children

Abstract Background Recent studies have shown that serum uric acid levels are associated with gastroenteritis-associated benign seizures (CWG), but the diagnosis of CWG is an exclusive diagnosis. This study explored the clinical characteristics of norovirus-associated CWG to provide evidence for reducing unnecessary tests. Methods Medical records of children admitted to the Department of Emergency of Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center with Stool etiology was positive for norovirus between January 2019 and January 2020 were divided into CWG group and simple gastroenteritis group ,and were reviewed and analyzed. Results A total of 89 norovirus cases were enrolled. Age of onset, male/female ratio of CWG group and simple gastroenteritis group were 49 cases, mean 20.84 ± 5.83 months and 27:22, 40 cases, mean 19.00 ± 13.48 months and, 26:14, respectively.Serum uric acid levels in CwG and simple gastroenteritis groups increased in 43 (87.8%) and 9 (22.5%) cases, respectively. The average serum uric acid level in the CwG group was significantly higher than that in the simple gastroenteritis group (564.36 ± 125.28umol/L vs 338.42 ± 141.03umol/L [mean ± standard deviation], p < 0.0001) .The potential of hydrogen(PH), bicarbonate༈HCO3 – ), BE bases excess༈BE༉ of CWG group were also lower than those of simple gastroenteritis group, the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion Norovirus-associated CWG should be considered in children with norovirus-associated gastroenteritis and recurrent seizures, significantly increased serum uric acid and acidosis. Lumbar puncture and cranial imaging may not be recommended.