Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis In Children Research Articles

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in Children: The Archetype of Non-Vaccination

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a late complication of measles virus infection that occurs in previously healthy children. This disease has no specific cure and is associated with a high degree of disability and mortality. In recent years, there has been an increase in its incidence in relation to a reduction in vaccination adherence, accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we take stock of the current evidence on SSPE and report our personal clinical experience. We emphasise that, to date, the only effective protection strategy against this disease is vaccination against the measles virus.

Diagnostic Approaches and Management of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in Children

Abstract: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the central nervous system, especially in the population of children and early adolescents, due to persistent measles virus infection. The incidence of SSPE is quite rare, and data shows that in developing countries it is still quite high compared to developed countries. Diagnosis is based on clinical, supporting examinations such as EEG, as well as increased antibodies against measles virus in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Symptoms can include changes in behavior, myoclonus, memory problems, and persistent pyramidal or extrapyramidal movements. Management to date has not provided satisfactory results and is individualized. Most SSPE patients experience a progressive and gradual course, leading to death within 1-3 years. The challenge of SSPE in children is the approach to diagnosis and management. Until now, the approach to treating SSPE in children is still based on the pathophysiological mechanisms from several existing research studies. That why therapy guidelines for children with SSPE are still varied. This paper aims to discuss the topic of SSPE in children with a major focus on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches based on the latest scientific evidence. Keywords: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), children, diagnosis, therapy

Clinical profile of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

To describe the clinical manifestations of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in children. Case series. This study was conducted in the Department of Neurology at The Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Lahore, from April 2005 to April 2007. Fifty patients were diagnosed as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis during the study period. Their diagnosis was based on a detailed history, clinical examination, presence of antimeasles antibodies in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and typical electroencephalogram (EEG). The findings were described as average, mean and percentages. Fifty patients were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 8 years. Thirty-eight (76%) were males and 12 (24%) were females. The average duration of symptoms before presentation was 66.72 days. History of measles infection was present in 31 patients (62%) and measles vaccination in 43 patients (86%). Motor regression was present in all (100%) patients and cognition decline in 43 patients (86%). Seizures were focal (10%), generalized tonicclonic (16%) and myoclonic (74%). Burst-suppression pattern Electroencephalogram (EEG) and the antimeasles antibody in CSF were positive in 100% of patients. SSPE is an indicator of high incidence of measles infection among the paediatric population even among vaccinated children. Males are more common sufferers. SSPE can present with different types of seizures, cognition decline and motor regression being supported by suggestive EEG and presence of anti-measles antibodies in CSF.