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Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in Children: The Archetype of Non-Vaccination
Laura Papetti1, Maria Elisa Amodeo2,3, Letizia Sabatini2,3
1Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy.
Insights
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare but severe measles complication. Vaccination remains the only effective prevention against this debilitating neurological disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal neurological sequela of measles virus infection.
- SSPE incidence is rising due to decreased measles vaccination rates, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Observation:
- SSPE presents as a late complication in previously healthy children post-measles infection.
- The disease carries a high mortality and disability rate, with no specific cure.
Findings:
- Current evidence and clinical experience confirm measles vaccination as the sole protective measure against SSPE.
- Reduced vaccination adherence directly correlates with increased SSPE cases.
Implications:
- Strengthening measles vaccination programs is crucial to prevent SSPE resurgence.
- Public health initiatives must address vaccine hesitancy to protect children from SSPE.
Abstract:
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a late complication of measles virus infection that occurs in previously healthy children. This disease has no specific cure and is associated with a high degree of disability and mortality. In recent years, there has been an increase in its incidence in relation to a reduction in vaccination adherence, accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we take stock of the current evidence on SSPE and report our personal clinical experience. We emphasise that, to date, the only effective protection strategy against this disease is vaccination against the measles virus.
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