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Acute encephalopathy and chronic neurological damage after pertussis vaccine

L D Cowan1, M R Griffin, C P Howson

  • 1Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC.

Vaccine
|November 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

The Institute of Medicine found possible links between the whole-cell diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine and acute encephalopathy. However, evidence remains insufficient to establish a causal relationship for DTP vaccine and permanent neurological damage.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neurology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • The Institute of Medicine reviewed adverse effects of pertussis and rubella vaccines.
  • Concerns exist regarding the relationship between whole-cell diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine and neurological outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the evidence for a causal relationship between DTP vaccine and acute encephalopathy.
  • To assess the evidence for a causal relationship between DTP vaccine and chronic neurological damage.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive review of professional and lay sources.
  • Analysis of data from studies such as the National Childhood Encephalopathy Study.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a possible causal relation between DTP vaccine and acute encephalopathy, but is insufficient to establish causality.
  • The estimated excess risk of acute encephalopathy is 0.0 to 10.5 cases per million immunizations.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence is insufficient to confirm or deny a causal link between DTP vaccine and acute encephalopathy.
  • Evidence is insufficient to establish a causal relationship between DTP vaccine and permanent neurological damage.

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