Acute quadriplegic myopathy in a 16-month-old child

We present a case of a 16-month old previously healthy child who was hospitalized because of an acute respiratory insufficiency most likely caused by a viral infection and who then developed a severe acute quadriplegic myopathy (AQM). Initial clinical symptoms were respiratory acidosis, dypnea, intense wheezing, and deterioration of the level of consciousness, which required orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. We administered neuromuscular blocking agents, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. After 9 days the clinical picture improved. An attempt to wean from the ventilator failed. We diagnosed AQM. This paper discusses AQM and its clinical importance.