S.S.P.E.: some clues to pathogenesis from epidemiological data

This study is a preliminary report of the national registry of S.S.P.E. cases started in 1987 which continue early epidemiological inquiries concerning incidence in Romania during the decade 1978-1987. The analysis pointed out the high incidence of this disease: a mean incidence rate of 6.35 cases per year per million total population in the last three years. Since 1979 there has been in Romania a sharp decline in the incidence of measles induced by the initiation of compulsory vaccination. As yet this decline is not reflected in S.S.P.E. incidence. The male/female ratio varied between 1.78-3.3 according to the year of observation. The mean age at S.S.P.E. onset increased from 6-7 years at the beginning of the interval to 9.63 years in 1987. The S.S.P.E. incidence is unevenly distributed between rural and urban area and clusters of S.S.P.E. cases were observed in certain countries. Other categories of information which may be relevant to pathogenesis are discussed: immunological history, previous hospitalization and illnesses, family history, recent health problems prior to S.S.P.E. onset, education, vacations, food habits and animal-exposure history.