Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in Children: The Archetype of Non-Vaccination
Laura Papetti, Maria Elisa Amodeo, Letizia Sabatini, Melissa Baggieri, Alessandro Capuano, Federica Graziola, Antonella Marchi, Paola Bucci, Emilio D’Ugo, Maedeh Kojouri, Silvia Gioacchini, Carlo Efisio Marras, Carlotta Ginevra Nucci, Fabiana Ursitti, Giorgia Sforza, Michela Ada Noris Ferilli, Gabriele Monte, Romina Moavero, Federico Vigevano, Massimiliano Valeriani, Fabio Magurano
Abstract
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a late complication of measles virus infection that occurs in previously healthy children. This disease has no specific cure and is associated with a high degree of disability and mortality. In recent years, there has been an increase in its incidence in relation to a reduction in vaccination adherence, accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we take stock of the current evidence on SSPE and report our personal clinical experience. We emphasise that, to date, the only effective protection strategy against this disease is vaccination against the measles virus.