Myositis

[Kellie115052]

My 6-year-old had the flu shot in December; however, unfortunately came down with the flu this past Saturday morning. He fever was pretty much gone my Monday midday. He had lingering cough, headache, and congestion. Took him to the pediatrician on Monday and they diagnosed him with a sinus infection. He woke up Tuesday morning and could not bear weight on this legs. Went back to pediatrician and after blood work determined that this was in fact the flu they diagnosed him with myositis. He had his CPK and LFT checked. While I am not sure of his LFT, I do know they said it was slightly elevated and his CPK was 3000. He went back the following day and his CPK was 2180 and his LFT was still slightly elevated. While they are trying to reassure me that this is most likely just a complication of the flu, I can't help think that maybe there is something underlying --- Is this pretty normal that both of tests showed elevated numbers. They are retaking his blood in two weeks. Is there anything else I should be asking when we go back?

[Kellie115052]

Thank you so much for reassuring me.

I received a call yesterday stating that my son's myoglobin was increased as well and they were conferring with a nephrologist. Is this a sign of myositis as well?

[melbeebe]

My 6 year old daughter had this same strange illness last week.  Same symptoms only hers occured following a strep infection and exposure to influenza B.  Her CPK was up to 5900 and then came down and after 10 days is down to 145.  It's been a rough 10 days but it's finally almost over.  I've never been so worried in my life.  I hope your son's bloodwork returns to normal soon.  If you research acute childhood myositis you can get more info.  

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Myositis is common in people with flu and is referred to as infectious myositis. There can be other causes of myositis also like dermatomyositis, or drug induced myositis.
Myositis that occurs in children after flu infection is referred to as benign acute myositis. This type of myositis gets better with time and is usually completely gone after couple of weeks. I think your child is on the right course and should get better with time. The levels of CPK are important and need to be checked frequently.

Let us know if you have more questions.

Thanks