MEASLES

REVIEW OF CASES ADMITTED IN PAEDIATRIC DEPARTMENT BENAZIR BHUTTO HOSPITAL RAWALPINDI DURING EPIDEMIC 2013

Abstract

Background:Despite efforts to promote widespread vaccination,measles still
remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children especially in developing
countries. The aim of this study was to review the pattern and outcome of measles patients
admitted at Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) Rawalpindi during measles epidemic 2013.Study
Design: Cross sectional descriptive study. Period:Three months during measles epidemic 2013
(March - May). Setting:Pediatric department BBH Rawalpindi. Materials and Methods:Data
regarding demographic profile, clinical presentation, complications and outcome of measles
patients was collected and analyzed using SPSS 15.Results:A total of 192 patients of both
sexes were included with mean age of 35.48+32.71 months. Majority of patients(71.4%) were
unvaccinated and 88% had history of contact with measles patients. The common complications
observed were pneumonia and pneumonia with gastroenteritis and both were found statistically
significant in patients with malnutrition and low socioeconomic status.Conclusion:The current
study concluded that improving measles immunization and nutritional status in children is
essential for reducing morbidity and mortality of measles.