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[Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: a still existing disease]
A Lassaletta Atienza1, M Cebrero García, R Martino Alba
1Servicio de Pediatría. Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias. Madrid. España. lassalvaro@yahoo.com
Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare measles virus complication, can be managed. Early diagnosis and treatment with metisoprinol and alpha-interferon halted progression in a pediatric case.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, fatal central nervous system disease caused by persistent wild-type measles virus infection.
- It is more prevalent in developing countries with endemic measles and lower immunization rates.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old Spanish girl presented with myoclonus after measles at 13 months.
- Initial neurological exams, neuroimaging, and EEG were normal.
- Serum and cerebrospinal fluid showed oligoclonal bands and high measles antibody titers.
Findings:
- The patient received oral metisoprinol and intraventricular alpha-interferon (IFN-).
- Treatment resulted in no further symptom progression, indicating potential therapeutic efficacy.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering SSPE in differential diagnoses for neurological symptoms like movement disorders or cognitive decline.
- Emphasizes increased vigilance for SSPE in immigrant populations from high-incidence regions.