Evaluation of Pediatric Patients Diagnosed with Measles: A Retrospective Study in Istanbul

Abstract Objective Measles, predominantly impacting the pediatric population, manifests symptoms encompassing fever, rash, rhinorrhea, cough, conjunctivitis, accompanied by infrequent yet plausible life-threatening complications. Methods This retrospective study conducted between January 2022 and July 2023 at a 1,105-bed tertiary hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, was focused on children diagnosed with measles and aged <18 years. Cases with measles-specific immunoglobulin M antibodies or with measles virus RNA detected by polymerase chain reaction were defined as definite measles cases. Results A total of 78 pediatric patients were diagnosed with measles, of whom 40 were evaluated as definite (51.3%) cases. Among the definite cases, 29 (72.5%) and 11 (27.5%) were girls and boys, respectively. Their median age was 78 (42–158) months. It was observed that 28 (70%) patients were unvaccinated against measles, whereas data on the vaccination status of 6 (15%) patients could not be obtained. As for the symptoms, rash was observed in all diagnosed patients (100%), fever in 37 (92.5%), cough in 27 (67.5%). In addition, pneumonia was observed in 20 patients (50%). Vitamin A was administered to 5 (12.5%) patients below 2 years old. Of the patients, 29 (72.5%) were hospitalized. Three patients required intensive care unit follow-up. No mortality was recorded. When outpatients and inpatients were compared, the incidence rate of pneumonia was statistically higher in inpatients (p = 0.013). Conclusions Recent World Health Organization data reveal a surge in childhood measles instances, underscoring the imperative of bolstering vaccination rates to fortify societal immunity and safeguard individuals against potential complications.