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Intraventricular interferon treatment for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
I Steiner1, I Wirguin, A Morag
1Department of Neurology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Journal of Child Neurology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Alpha-interferon treatment for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) showed promising results in three children. Intraventricular administration appeared to modify the disease course, with clinical and electroencephalographic improvements observed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive neurological complication of measles.
- Current treatment options for SSPE are limited, with a poor prognosis.
Observation:
- Three pediatric patients diagnosed with SSPE were treated with alpha-interferon.
- Interferon was administered intraventricularly via an Ommaya reservoir over 13-24 months.
- Dosage escalated up to 1.0 x 10(6) IU twice weekly.
Findings:
- Two patients showed mild clinical improvement, and one had a stable disease course.
- All patients exhibited improved electroencephalographic recordings.
- Two patients demonstrated a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid anti-measles antibodies.
Implications:
- Intraventricular alpha-interferon may be a potential therapeutic strategy for modifying SSPE.
- Further research with larger cohorts is needed to confirm efficacy and long-term outcomes.
- This approach warrants investigation for other intractable neurological disorders.