Clinical profile and outcomes of measles in south-western Nigerian children

Abstract

Background: Barely two years to the end-point of the count-down to 2015, measles still remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigerian children, despite being vaccine-preventable.
Aims/objectives: We evaluated the spectrum of clinical morbidities and determinant of poor outcomes associated with measles in our facility.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study. A structured 22-item questionnaire was administered to all children admitted due to measles from April to September 2013. Anti-measles IgM antibody serology was used for laboratory confirmation. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to assess for significant differences between categorized data. Odd ratios were calculated.
Results: Sixty four in-patients participated in the study. Their mean age was 19±13 months; 48.4% were males while 51.6% were females. Almost two-thirds of them were not immunized. Respiratory, digestive and neurologic systems were frequently involved, 65.6%, 14.1% and 9.4% respectively. Anti-measles IgM antibody was positive in 73% of those tested. Over 90% of the children were discharged, while 1.5% had neuro-developmental deficit. Case fatality rate was 6.3%. Clinical-demographic features were similar among the children irrespective of their outcomes (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Measles outbreaks still account for significant morbidities and mortalities in Nigerian children. Improved immunization coverage is advocated.

Key words: Measles, systemic manifestations, outcomes