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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 13) received a report involving a 91-year-old patient admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital who complained about lower limb weakness following human swine influenza (HSI) vaccination.
His current condition is stable and his past health is unremarkable.
CHP's investigation showed that the patient developed cough on January 8. He also complained of bilateral lower limb weakness on January 9 and was admitted to the hospital on January 12.
The patient had a history of receiving HSI vaccination in a private clinic on January 4.
"The patient was assessed by neurologist. Clinical assessment showed that he had decrease in power in both legs.
"The nerve conduction test conducted this afternoon revealed normal finding," a spokesman for CHP said.
Further tests, including examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and magnetic resonance imaging, to assess whether his symptoms are due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) or other causes, are pending.
"It is noticed that in the previous 58-year old GBS compatible patient, his nerve conduction test showed prolonged distal motor latency, which was compatible with early phase of GBS and other demyelinating diseases, and his CSF showed high protein content.
"At this point, a definitive diagnosis of GBS cannot be established for the 91-year-old patient. CHP will closely monitor the clinical progress and further laboratory results of this patient, and convene an Expert Group meeting if further supportive evidence of GBS is available," the spokesman said.
Ends/Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Issued at HKT 23:10
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