Study to Determine by Which Both Retrospective and Prospective Methods the Relationship; if any, of the Role of Live Measles Virus Vaccine in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

摘要

The purpose of the SSPE Registry has been to study the epidemiology of Subacute Sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). The relationship between SSPE, measles infection and measles immunization has been of particular interest. The Registry has relied upon the cooperation of members of the Child Neurology Society, who are predominantly physicians from teaching and medical institutions throughout the United States, to report cases of SSPE to the Registry. A case control study to examine risk factors associated with SSPE was done using a subset of cases reported to the Registry. A case control study to examine risk factors associated with SSPE was done using a subset of cases reported to the Registry. A current estimate of the incidence rate of SSPE is difficult to obtain because of delays in reporting cases to the Registry. The cases reported to the Registry have a very uneven geographical distribution. Areas of highest incidence include the Southwest, upper Ohio River Valley and some New England States. The ratio of males to females is about 2:1 and has remained so throughout the history of the Registry. Less than five percent of the cases have been black. A large majority of cases 5/6 reported to the Registry have a positive history of measles infection. A minority of case reported to the Registry had received measles immunization. The overall impact of measles vaccination appears to be one of protection against SSPE by preventing measles.