SSPE is a progressive, debilitating, and fatal brain disorder caused by infection with a mutant measles ( rubeola ) virus (a measles virus that has undergone certain genetic changes or mutations).
Alternative Names
SSPE; Subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis; Dawson´s encephalitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Measles virus usually doesn't cause brain damage, but certain mutant forms can invade the brain, causing severe illness and death. SSPE has been reported in all parts of the world, but in western countries it is considered a rare disease. Fewer than 10 cases per year are reported in the United States, decreasing the frequency of this disease dramatically, following the nationwide measles immunization program. However, in some countries like India, over 20 cases of SSPE per million people are annually reported. SSPE tends to occur several years after having measles ( rubeola ), even though recovery from the illness appears to have been normal. More males are affected than females, and the disease generally occurs in children and adolescents. Affected individuals frequently die one to two years after being diagnosed with this condition, but some may survive for longer periods.
SSPE is due to the direct invasion of brain cells by the mutant measles virus, which provokes brain inflammation (swelling and irritation with presence of extra immune cells) that can last for years.
Signs and tests
There may be a history of measles in an unvaccinated child. Physical examination may show signs of optic nerve damage, damage to the retina (the part of the eye that perceives light and looks red when a photograph is taken with flash), poor motor cordination tests, and muscle twitching. Tests:
Electro-encephalogram (EEG) : is a test of the electrical activity of the brain, which may show a wave pattern which is typical of SSPE Brain MRI , which provides high-quality pictures of the brain Serum antibody titer (concentration of the antibody) , measles ( rubeola ) shows elevated titer to measles virus
Spinal tap for analysis of the protein (immunoelectrophoresis) in the collected fluid Anti-measles virus antibodies
Treatment
No cure for SSPE exists. However, certain anti-viral drugs can slow the progression of the disease. A combination of oral isoprinosine and interferon alfa injected directly into the brain ventricles, appears to be the most effective treatment. Ribavirin and Amantadine are other anti-viral medications that have been used with limited success. Patients responding to treatment need to receive it for the rest of their lives. Effective immunization against measles to prevent development of this condition is the only solution presently available.
Complications
Prior to death, there may be:
Behavior changes Dementia Stupor and coma
Seizures and subsequent injuries
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if your child has not completed his or her scheduled immunizations. Measles ( rubeola ) immunization is included in the MMR immunization (vaccine) .
Prevention
Immunization against measles is the only known prevention for SSPE. This should be accomplished during the recommended American Academy of Pediatric and Centers for Disease Control immunization schedule. See MMR immunization (vaccine) .