Prognosis and demographic characteristics of SSPE patients in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Aim: SSPE is a rare progressive, invariably fatal long-term complication of measles infection. In this study, we assessed the demographic and prognostic characteristics of 64 consecutive SSPE patients diagnosed at a tertiary center.

Methods: The study had a retrospective design; data were obtained from patient records.

Results: The study includes 64 patients diagnosed with SSPE. There was history of consanguineous marriage in 27 (42.2%) patients. The average patient lifespan was 3.8years (45days-12years). The average patient age at diagnosis was 12.3 (range, 5-17)years. A statistically significant correlation was found between the age at diagnosis and lifespan (p=0.002). A statistically significant correlation was found between the incubation period and patient lifespan (p<0.001). No significant correlation was found between duration in the intensive care unit and lifespan (p=0.122). Routine physical therapy had no significant impact on the average lifespan (p=0.619). No significant difference was found between the vaccination dose and lifespan (p=0.651).

Conclusions: High frequency of parental consanguinity in SSPE patients need to be evaluated as there might a genetic influence. Physical therapy and supportive treatments seems to have no affect on lifespan in SSPE patients. The age at diagnosis and incubation period might have an affect on prognosis and lifespan.

Keywords: Measles; Measles vaccine; SSPE; Survival.