L Wu, B Ning, Y Wang

Abstract

Aims: To observe the clinical characteristics of infant measles and strengthen its prophylactic methods. Materials and Methods: 220 cases diagnosed as infant measles were enrolled in the Central Hospital of Jinhua City in China from January 2008 to August 2015. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to test specific immunoglobulin (Ig)M against measles. Routine blood tests, blood biochemistry and myocardial enzymes using venous blood were done for the 220 measles patients. Results: All cases had fever fluctuating between 37.5°C to 41°C and mucosal plaques (Koplik's spots) on the oral mucosa. In all cases, measles IgM antibodies were found to be positive after eruption. 80.46% of patients were <8 months of age. Of the 138 cases (62.73%, 138/220) with pneumonia complications, there were 32 cases of severe pneumonia, 30 cases accompanied with diarrhoea, 25 cases with acute laryngitis, 16 cases with mouth ulcers, 5 cases with febrile seizures, and 4 cases with toxic encephalopathy. In this patient group, complications were more prevalent than in the older children group. A total of 210 subjects were cured, the clinical condition of 7 cases improved and 2 individuals gave up treatment and were discharged from hospital due to expensive treatment charge. One patient died. The clinical manifestations were typical, with a short prodromal period and several complications. Conclusions: The present study showed that in our population, measles tended to affect the younger age, and that pneumonia was the most common complication. Revaccination of women of childbearing age against measles might reduce the incidence of measles in infants.