Frequency of complication, outcome and immunization of patients presenting with measles in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. The disease remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Objective: To describe the  frequency of complication, outcome and immunization of patients presenting with measles in a tertiary care hospital. Method: this pilot study is being conducted in  paediatric unit II, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi from April to December 2016 among patients presenting with measles. All patients who presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of measles according to WHO criteria were included. Data  regarding demographic profile, duration of stay, clinical presentation, degree of  malnutrition, complication and outcome was collected and analyzed. Result: A total of 106/900 (12%) hospitalized patients with/without complications were included in this study. Out of 106 patient, 55(52%) were male and 51(48%) were females, the age group range was 4 months to 9 year. Patients shifted to P.I.C.U were 20(19%) of which 5(5%) expired and 15 were shifted to paediatric ward. Majority of the patients were incompletely vaccinated 52(49%), unvaccinated 28(26%), and 26 (24%) were completely vaccinated. The most common complication was pneumonia; followed by acute gastroenteritis, encephalitis, conjunctivitis, croup, dysentery, stomatitis,  pneumothorax. Majority of the patients Conclusion: Measles is still a serious threat to children in our population. The current study concluded that improving        immunization and nutritional status in children is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality.