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Earlier Onset of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in Bangladeshi Children: Insights from a Case Series
Sarah Alam1, Yamin Shahriar Chowdhury1, Narayan Saha1
1National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Insights
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can occur even after measles immunization. This study found SSPE in children with earlier onset and shorter latency periods, suggesting a need for further investigation into measles vaccination effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease following measles infection.
- It is characterized by progressive neurological decline.
- Measles vaccination is known to prevent SSPE.
Abstract:
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal neurodegenerative complication of measles, characterized by a progressive decline in neurological function. This case series described 42 children diagnosed with SSPE and received treatment at a tertiary neurology hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from the year 2019 to 2021. The median age at onset of was 4 years (range: 2.5-11 years), with a mean latent period of 2.68 ± 0.97 (SD) years. While 30 cases (71.4%) were immunized, 23 of these children developed SSPE despite receiving immunization after 9 months of age. Additionally, a small proportion of cases (n = 7) had a history of measles infection prior to the scheduled age of vaccination. Males predominated (88.1%) in this cohort. Clinical presentation typically involved speech and motor regression alongside the myoclonic jerks. These findings point toward an earlier onset and shorter latency period of SSPE in this population which demands further evaluation.
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