Subacute schlerosing panencephalitis in the middle east: Report of 99 cases

Abstract

Abstract All patients entering with a differential diagnosis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) at two major Lebanese medical centers since 1956 yielded 99 cases. Significant findings included: an epidemic pattern with 4 cases during 1956–57;95 cases during 1964–75; and, after 1966, 1.7 cases per year per million total population in Lebanon alone. The average age at which patients had measles shifted from 20 months in those who had onset of SSPE before 1971 to 35 months thereafter. Duration of illness was less than three months for 7% of the patients; four to 24 months for 69%; and more than 24 months for 24%. Four percent acieved significant long‐term improvement.