Información adicional

• Num_publicacion 67(9)
• Resumen_ingles

  Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is the most severe complication caused by the measles virus, a persistent infection of the central nervous system.

  We present the case of an 11-year-old Spanish boy showing behavioural changes and a loss of intellectual abilities. Noteworthy in his medical history was measles suffered at the age of 8 months, and the fact that he was adequately vaccinated. The rapid progression of the disease involved rhythmic and symmetric myoclonus with an initial alteration of the EEG and NMR. Oligoclonal bands were detected in the electrophoresis of the serum and CSF, with very high levels of anti-measles antibodies. A treatment with oral Isoprinosine was started with the aim of preventing the disease from progressing.

  The objective is to present a complication of measles that is rare, but with a fatal prognosis and high morbimortality, and that can be prevented by mass vaccination. It also highlights the importance of including the disease in the differential diagnosis of patients who seek medical advice because of a decline in academic performance, cognitive deterioration and the deterioration of their abilities, as well as movement disorders.

  In recent years, measles outbreaks have still been detected in many developed countries, including Spain, and emigration has not been the only cause.

• Palabras_clave_ingles Subacute sclerosing encephalitis encephalitis interferon alpha Isoprinosine measles
• Todos_autores M. Camaño González, F. Suárez, S. Piñeiro Conde, B. Felgueroso
• autores listados M. Camaño González, F. Suárez, S. Piñeiro Conde, B. Felgueroso
• Correspondecia
  M. Camaño González. Fernández Ladreda, 25, 4.º B. 36003 Pontevedra.
  Correo electrónico: monica.cg@canalejo.org
• Titulo_ingles Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: the importance of preventing measles
• Centros_trabajo Hospital «Juan Canalejo». A Coruña
• Publicado en Acta Pediatr Esp. 2009; 67(9): 451-454
• copyright ©2009 Ediciones Mayo, S.A.
• Fecha recepcion 23/07/08
• Fecha aceptacion 18/11/08