MEASLES: DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND ASSOCIATED MORBIDITIES OF MEASLES CASES ADMITTED IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL

Measles: Profile And Associated Morbidities

Abstract

Objective: To determine the different demographic parameters, associated morbidity and mortality of measles cases admitted in a paediatric unit of a teaching hospital.
Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Pediatrics department Combined Military Hospital Kharian from October 2012- September 2013.
Material and Methods: All patients admitted with diagnosis of measles according to World Health Organization (WHO) definition of clinical measles up to 12 years of age were included. Detailed history and clinical examination was done. Required information regarding study parameter was collected on a pre designed proforma. Different complications in relation to age, vaccination and nutritional status were assessed. Statistical data was analyzed by SPSS version 17.
Results: Among total 68 patients, 48(70.58%) were male and 20 (29.41%) female. Mean age was 21.26 (± 26.95) months. Thirty four (50%) patients were between 6-8 (completed) months of age, 3 (4.41 %) less than 6 months whilst 5(7.35%) were aged between 5-12 years. Partially and unvaccinated patients were 19.11% and 88.88% respectively. Thirty (44.11%) cases were well nourished and 38 (55.88%) malnourished. Pneumonia (41.66%) was the commonest complication followed by diarrhea (37.5%), oral lesions (29.16%), otitis media (10.41%), eye changes, encephalitis, myocarditis and hepatitis (each 4.16%). Mortality was 1.47 %. Complications were more common in malnourished than well nourished patients (p-value <0.05) and in unvaccinated than vaccinated children (p-value <0.05).
Conclusion: Majority of patients was less than 9 months age. Pneumonia was the commonest complication and only cause of death. Complications were more common among unvaccinated and malnourished children.