SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS - DIAGNOSIS AND DRUG-TREATMENT OPTIONS

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a chronic progressive, u sually fatal disease of uncertain pathogenesis that is associated with the presence of mutant measles virus in the CNS. The diagnosis is bas ed on clinical criteria and an elevated titre of measles antibodies in the CSF Electroencephalography, imaging studies and measles antibody synthesis rate in the CSF provide supportive laboratory data. When CSF studies are negative, a brain biopsy is indicated to assess the prese nce of inclusion bodies, measles virus antigens or Viral RNA. Among th e many drugs and methods tried in the treatment of SSPE, the highest r ate of stabilisation or improvement has been obtained with intraventri cular interferon-alpha (interferon-alfa) and oral inosine pranobex. Fu rther research, including multicentre clinical trials, is warranted to identify more efficient therapeutic regimens.