Rituximab in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Abstract

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive, fatal neurological disorder of childhood and early adolescence. It is caused by a persistent measles virus infection of the brain without any available treatment to date. The physiopathology of the disease is largely unknown. Considering the potential role of humoral immunity in the pathogenesis of SSPE, one patient was given compassionate anti-CD20 antibodies. However, disease progression under treatment led to reconsider B cell involvement in this pathology. Nevertheless, we observed that carbamazepine was useful in improving life quality in our patient, and should be considered as a first-line drug. To date, measles vaccination remains the only solution to SSPE.