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Clinical profile of measles--a prospective study of 150 hospital based children
Insights
Measles complications are frequent, especially in malnourished children under one year old. High measles vaccination coverage is crucial, particularly for vulnerable populations, to prevent severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles remains a significant pediatric health concern globally.
- Malnutrition is a known risk factor for severe infectious diseases.
- Understanding measles clinical profiles and complications is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical profile and complications of measles in hospitalized children.
- To identify risk factors associated with measles complications.
- To emphasize the importance of vaccination strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 150 hospitalized measles cases (6 months-7 years).
- Data collected from May 1986 to May 1987.
- Evaluation of patient demographics, nutritional status, and complication patterns.
Main Results:
- 53% of children experienced measles complications, with respiratory issues being most common (50%).
- Children under one year and those with severe malnutrition (PEM Grades III-IV) had higher complication rates and multisystem involvement.
- Well-nourished children had no complications, while those with early-stage malnutrition had milder issues.
Conclusions:
- Measles poses a significant risk, particularly to malnourished children and infants.
- Prompt and widespread measles vaccination is essential to reduce disease burden and prevent severe complications.
- Public health strategies should prioritize vaccination coverage in at-risk populations.
Abstract:
The clinical profile of 150 hospital based cases (6 months-7 yrs) of measles presenting between May 1986 to May 1987 was analyzed. Nearly a quarter (28%) were less than 1 yr; 60% belonged to 1-3 yrs age group, 8.6% were 3-5 yrs old and 2.6% were in the 5-7 yrs age group. The male:female ratio was 1.2:1. Nearly half (53.3%) were well nourished, 36.6% had Grades I-II PEM and 9.9% had Grades III-IV PEM. About half (47%) showed no complications; 53% had some complications of which 15% had more than one system involvement. Respiratory complications were seen in 50%, nutritional deterioration in 17.3%, gastrointestinal and neurological in 14.6% each and cardiac in 1.3%. The respiratory complications included pneumonia (16%), bronchitis (12.6%), activation of TB (10.66%), otitis (7.3%) and miliary tuberculosis (4%). CNS complications were encephalitis in 8%, meningitis in 3.3%, convulsions -2.6% and limb paresis in 0.6%. Children below 1 yr had a greater incidence of complications and multisystem involvement. Children between 3-5 yrs had respiratory and GI system involvement and children greater than 5 yrs showed respiratory system involvement only. No complications were seen in the well nourished group while early grades of PEM had mild complications. Severe degree of malnutrition had higher incidence and severity of complications. The need for large coverage of measles vaccine in our country especially amongst the malnourished group is obvious.