Related Experiment Videos
Acute encephalopathy associated with measles
Abstract:
Thirty children presenting with acute encephalopathic illness within a month of measles were studied. A male preponderance was found and 83.3% of cases were below 5 years of age. The interval between onset of measles rash and that of encephalopathy ranged from 0 to 20 days. Fever (96.6%), convulsions (70%), and coma (90%) were found in a high percentage of cases, while focal neurological deficits and abnormal movements were found in a small number of patients (3.3% and 16.6% respectively). Signs of cerebellar or medullar involvement were not seen. Only 1 (3.3%) case had pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid. Eleven (36.6%) patients died in hospital. The pathogenesis of acute encephalopathy following measles is discussed.
Insights
Acute encephalopathy following measles disproportionately affects young males, with fever, seizures, and coma being common. This severe neurological complication has a high mortality rate, underscoring the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Measles is a highly contagious viral illness.
- Acute encephalopathy is a rare but severe neurological complication that can follow measles infection.
- Understanding the clinical presentation and outcomes of measles-associated encephalopathy is crucial for pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute encephalopathy in children following measles.
- To identify risk factors and common symptoms associated with this condition.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of thirty children with acute encephalopathy within one month of measles onset.
- Clinical data including age, sex, interval from measles rash to encephalopathy, presenting symptoms, neurological findings, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and mortality were collected.
Main Results:
- A male preponderance was observed, with 83.3% of cases occurring in children under five years old.
- Common symptoms included fever (96.6%), convulsions (70%), and coma (90%). Focal neurological deficits and abnormal movements were less frequent.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed pleocytosis in only one case (3.3%), and mortality was 36.6%.
Conclusions:
- Acute encephalopathy following measles is a serious condition predominantly affecting young males.
- The clinical presentation is characterized by fever, seizures, and coma, with limited cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities.
- The high mortality rate highlights the severity of this post-infectious neurological complication.