Use of a brief assessment examination in a study of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a degenerative disease affecting children and young adults that remains a distinct and relatively frequent problem in developing countries worldwide. Recent advances in treatment prompted a study at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using oral isoprinosine and intraventricular alpha-interferon. Initially, the Neurological Disability Assessment and Index was used for tracking patient progress. However, an additional means of assessment was deemed necessary and the Brief Assessment Examination was devised. Largely cognitive based, the Brief Assessment Examination appeared to be more sensitive to mental status changes than the Neurological Disability Assessment and Index, though it correlated modestly with the Neurologic Disability Assessment and Index and more strongly with staging. In addition, the Brief Assessment Examination can be administered by technician-level staff with a minimum of training. Though more study is needed, preliminary findings suggest that the Brief Assessment Examination should be a useful tracking tool for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, particularly in the developing world.