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Volume 32, Number 11—November 2026

Synopsis

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis after Measles Outbreaks, the Philippines, 2007–2022

Maela P. PalisocComments to Author , Maridel S. Ramones, and Roland Dominic G. Jamora
Author affiliation: National Children’s Hospital, Quezon City, the Philippines (M.P. Palisoc, M.S. Ramones); College of Medicine, San Beda University, Manila, the Philippines (M.P. Palisoc); College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila (R.D.G. Jamora)

Main Article

Table

Demographic and clinical characteristics of 20 children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in study of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis after measles outbreaks, National Children’s Hospital, the Philippines, 2007–2022*

Characteristic No. patients, N = 20
Sex
M 14 (70.0)
F
6 (30.0)
Median age at admission, y (IQR)
6.2 (3.8–8.4)
Median age at reported measles illness, y, n = 19 (IQR)
0.7 (0.4–2.0)
Median duration of symptoms before admission, d (IQR)
82 (30–128)
Median length of stay, d (IQR)
10 (6–14)
Nutritional status
No stunting, no wasting 12 (60.0)
Wasted, not stunted 5 (25.0)
Concurrent stunting and wasting 2 (10.0)
Stunted, not wasted
1 (5.0)
No comorbidity
17 (85.0)
Tuberculosis
2 (10.0)
Bilateral cryptorchidism
1 (5.0)
Reported measles history
Present 15 (75.0)
Unknown 4 (20.0)
Absent
1 (5.0)
Vaccination
Measles vaccine only 11 (55.0)
Measles and MMR 6 (30.0)
None
3 (15.0)
Stage at admission†
Stage 1 3 (15.0)
Stage 2 12 (60.0)
Stage 3 5 (25.0)
Stage 4
0
*Values are no. (%) except as indicated. IQR, interquartile range; MMR, measles, mumps, and rubella.
†Clinical stage follows the conventional description of SSPE: stage 1, behavioral and cognitive decline; stage 2, myoclonus and seizures; stage 3, extrapyramidal signs and progressive unresponsiveness; stage 4, coma or vegetative state (1,2).

Main Article

References
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Page created: September 21, 2026
Page updated: October 13, 2026
Page reviewed: October 13, 2026
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