Age: 1.25
Sex: M
Vaccine: DT, PNC, DT, HEP, HIBV, IPV, MMR, PNC
Symptoms: Abnormal behaviour, Crying, Neurodevelopmental disorder, Pyrexia, Screaming
Clinical narrative: This case was considered medically important for the event of aluminum toxicity (OMIC). Information regarding Prevnar (pneumococcal 7 valent conjugate vaccine (diphtheria crm197 protein) injection) was received from a consumer regarding a 15 month old male pt whose speech stopped completely for 2 1/2 weeks, had fever for 5 days, became limp, screamed for hrs and would cry when trying to sleep, reduced his eye contact and became unresponsive when answering to name, was a delayed walker, dragging one leg and reverted to crawling in circles, banging into things. He developed balance problems and dizziness. Additionally, the pt received treatment for aluminum toxicity. At 15 months of age, the pt received the fourth dose on 15Dec05. The pt also received the fourth dose of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (manf unk) and MMR on 15Dec05. The pt has a past history of five ear infections that occurred before the age of 18 months and a mild virus that developed on an unspecified date just prior to his receiving the last dose of Prevnar. The pt previously experienced pyrexia, fontanel swelling and irritability after receiving his first and second doses Prevnar on 02Nov04 and 04Apr05 respectively. Indication for Prevnar was immunization. Product was administered on 08Dec05, Dose regimen was 1 dose 1 time per day (IM). Additional suspect vaccines included MMR, diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, poliomyelitis vaccine inactivated, poliomyelitis vaccine inactivated, hep B vaccine, hep B vaccine, Hib titer vaccine (haemophilus b conjugate vaccine (diphtheria crm197 protein conjugate) injection) and Hib titer vaccine (haemophilus b conjugate vaccine (diphtheria crm197 protein conjugate) injection). Pt was not taking concomitant therapy. A mother reported that in Dec 2005, after receiving his fourth dose of Prevnar along with other childhood vaccines, her son started screaming for 2-3 hrs (screaming) and would then cry when trying to sleep for the next 3 months. The pt developed a fever between 100-101 deg F. for 5 days. His speech stopped completely for 2 1/2 weeks, he reduced eye contact and became unresponsive when answering to name. The child was limp. His motor skills were affected, he was a delayed walker dragging his leg and reverted to crawling in circles banging into things. The pt developed dizziness and balance problems. The mother reported that the child was not diagnosed with autism although he was seen by the pediatrician and developmental pediatrician who felt that the child had autism. Subsequently, the pt was taken to a physician where aluminum testing results revealed a level of 15 or so; normal levels were reportedly between 10 and 13. Another physician was consulted. A hair analysis was performed which revealed results in the 95th percentile, or above for toxic aluminum content. The pt was treated for aluminum toxicity. The physician reportedly felt it was because of all the vaccines received and drinking water aluminum content; he recommended chelation and treated the child with a zinc supplement to lower the aluminum. The mother commented that within three days of treatment the child was doing well. He is now walking, talking, learning people's names and responding to his name when called. His muscle tone has improved. The reporter's daughter also had a similar reaction to another vaccine at 4 months of age but she did not receive Prevnar. The daughter still has lingering neurological problems. See related cases: HQWYE638117AUG06 and HQWYE638217AUG06. No additional information was available at the time of this report.