[Side effects and complications of measles-mumps vaccination]

Within three years we have observed three patients with parotitis after measles-mumps-vaccination, one child with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, one with meningitis, and one patient with a preexisting severe cerebral damage died of central vasomotor and breath regulation dysfunction 20 days after the vaccination. Their case histories are described here, and the literature dealing with this question is reviewed. The following incidences of side effects may have to be accepted: "vaccination measles" (fever, rash, conjunctivitis, coughing) 5%, parotid swelling 1%. Furthermore, there are reports and observations on 38 patients who have developed ITP after vaccination, and on 8 other children who developed meningitis. From their lumbar liquor, mumps- or vaccine mumps viruses have been cultured. There are, as yet, no markers that would permit a typing of these viruses. Parents will have to be informed of these possible side effects and observations. In addition to that further information is not necessary on other very rare observations with as yet not established causal relationship with the vaccination. The measles-mumps-vaccination correctly is regarded as to be of low risk. Its usefulness is apparent when the frequency of side effects discussed here is compared to the incidence of grave complications of wild measles and mumps infections.