Evaluation of 20 Pediatric Cases Diagnosed with Measles in Diyarbakir Children's Hospital in 2019

Abstract

Objective: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease which can cause serious complications and be prevented with vaccination. In this study, we evaluated the demographic, clinical and laboratory findings of 20 children diagnosed with measles in order to use these data to determine strategies for early detection, control and prevention of measles outbreaks. Material and Methods: A total of 20 patients followed up with the diagnosis of measles in Diyarbakir Children's Hospital between 2nd April 2019 to 9th July 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Data about patients' demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings, treatments and complications were obtained from medical records. Results: The age range of the patients was 5-214 months; median age was 11 months (8-27). Of the cases, 15 (75%) were males and 5 (25%) were females. Five (25%) cases had a history of contact with measles patients. Nineteen cases had no measles vaccination and 1 case had a single dose of measles vaccination. The most common clinical signs and symptoms were high fever (100%), catarrhal symptom and cough (95%), conjunctivitis (55%), maculopapular rash (45%), and Koplik's spots (30%). Laboratory tests revealed lymphopenia in 10 (50%) cases, leukopenia in 5 (25%) cases, and thrombocytopenia in 1 (5%) case. C-reactive protein was high in 8 (40%) cases, and the mean value was 28.75 mg/dL (9.95-39.3). Complications were bronchopneumonia in three cases, febrile convulsion in one case, diarrhea and acute dehydration in one case. All cases were discharged without sequels. Conclusion: Measles is a highly contagious disease; prevention of outbreaks is possible by keeping vaccination rates of the population high. In addition, during outbreaks of measles suspicious approach to children under 12 months who show prodromal symptoms of measles will provide early diagnosis. Early diagnosis will make possible early isolation, rapid management of their contacts, and so will significantly reduce outbreak.