Clinical profile of Subacute scelerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive neurological complication of measles infection.
• Understanding the clinical spectrum and diagnostic markers of SSPE is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze the clinical profile of SSPE cases.
• To identify atypical presentations and factors influencing disease onset.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 39 confirmed SSPE cases.
• Review of clinical data, vaccination history, measles history, symptom onset, presentation, ophthalmological and audiological findings.
• Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for oligoclonal bands, serum and CSF anti-measles antibody titers, and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings.

Main Results:

• The study included 39 patients (29 males, 10 females) aged 4-19 years.
• 41% received measles vaccination; 58.9% had symptom onset after age 10.
• Common symptoms included decreased scholastic performance and myoclonus; unusual features like seizures and visual deterioration were noted. EEG showed periodic complexes in 97.4% of cases. Mean age of onset was higher in vaccinated individuals (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• SSPE exhibits diverse clinical presentations, with delayed onset being common, particularly in vaccinated individuals.
• Oligoclonal bands in CSF and elevated anti-measles antibodies are significant diagnostic markers.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing SSPE.