Measles encephalopathy during immunosuppression: failure of interferon treatment.

Measles encephalopathy during immunosuppression (MEI) occurs in patients with immunologic defects and is fatal. The course of the disease in 2 children, 4 and 5 years old, in the remission phase of acute lymphatic leukemia is presented. Diagnosis was possible, post-mortem, by recognition of measles virus antigen in brain tissue and in one patient by demonstration of intrathecal production of measles antibodies. Treatment with interferon did not improve the condition. Preventive measures primarily by early immunization of the childhood population against measles is stressed.