🧠 Chapter 293 · Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics 22nd Edition | Rare, fatal neurodegenerative complication of measles, occurring 7-10 years after primary infection. Caused by persistent defective measles virus (mutated matrix protein). Clinical stages: Stage I (behavioral/cognitive changes), Stage II (myoclonus, seizures, ataxia), Stage III (dementia, rigidity, decerebrate), Stage IV (coma, death). Diagnosis: elevated measles antibody in CSF (IgG), EEG (periodic complexes), MRI (white matter lesions). No cure; supportive care, experimental therapies (isoprinosine, intraventricular interferon) may slow progression.