Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: Is there something different in the younger children?

Yilmaz D., Aydin O. F., Senbil N., Yuksel D.

BRAIN & DEVELOPMENT, vol.28, no.10, pp.649-652, 2006 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 28 Issue: 10
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.braindev.2006.04.008
  • Journal Name: BRAIN & DEVELOPMENT
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.649-652
  • Keywords: subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, infancy, clinical course, prognosis, MEASLES INFECTION, INOSIPLEX, FEATURES, VACCINE, DISEASE, ONSET, SSPE
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a rare, slow viral infection caused by a defective measles virus. Although it is a rare disease, it is still important in developing countries. The onset is generally between the ages of 5-15 years. We reported the clinical and laboratory profile and nature of 9 patients under the age of 4 years with SSPE. Although it is known that a few patients with SSPE have an acute and rapidly fulminating course, in this study rate of progression was rapidly progressive in 6 patients and progressive in 3 of them on admission. Unfortunately, 4 of them were lost to follow up because of address and/or telephone number alterations. Although the number of patients in this study is not sufficient, we suggest that SSPE patients under the age of 4 years have a poor prognosis as a result of progressive or rapidly progressive course despite medical treatment. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.