Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in Bulgaria (1978-2002).

The epidemiology of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) has changed substantially since the introduction of measles vaccine. We studied the incidence of SSPE in Bulgaria based on cases admitted to the Child Neurology Clinic, University Hospital of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sofia, for a 25-year period (1978-2002). The SSPE incidence prior to and during the period of routine measles immunization was analyzed.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in Bulgaria during the past 25 years (1978-2002).

The aims of the present study are to establish the subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) incidence in Bulgaria for the 25-year period 1978-2002; to analyze the SSPE incidence prior to, and in the period of, routine measles immunization; and, to analyze the clinical characteristics of SSPE. SSPE was diagnosed in a total of 40 children; 28 of were diagnosed between 1978 and 1984, and 12 between 1995 and 2002. Thirty-eight cases (95%) were non-immunized and have had an early measles infection (mean age 16 months).