Clinical analysis of 59 cases of measles in adults

Objective To explore the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Measles virus infection in adults in Bengbu city. Methods 59 adults with measles in our hospital were enrolled in this study. The clinical data including onset seasons,age,local distribution,clinical symptoms,signs,results of laboratory tests and clinical outcome were analyzed retrospectively. Results There were 15 male patients and 44 female patients with a ratio of 1∶ 2. 93,which including 13 pregnant women(22. 03%) and 3 parturient(5. 08%). The young adults aged 20 to 39 years old(50 people accounted for84. 75%) were the common group. Measles in adults were seen in different seasons of the year,especially from February to April. The incidence in the rural areas was high(79. 66%). 59 cases(100. 00%) developed symptom of fever: temperature of 46 patients(77. 97%) was 39 to 41 degrees Celsius with an average duration of(8. 58 ± 2. 59) days. 51 cases(86.44%) were with catarrhal symptoms of the respiratory tract;59 cases(100.00%) were with skin rashes which were last(4. 46 ± 1. 71) days;all cases were with Koplik spots. The positive rate of serum Measles virus IgM was 49. 82%.The complications included liver function damage in 39 cases(66. 10%),bronchitis and bronchopneumonia in 32 cases(54.24%),gastrointestinal bleeding in 2 cases(3. 39%),encephalitis in 1 case(1. 69%),and laryngitis in 1 case(1.69%). There were 3 cases(23.08%) of abortion and stillbirth in pregnant women,in which 2 cases(3.39%) were severe,and all cases recovered after the treatment. Conclusion Measles virus infection in adults is with typical clinical symptoms. The liver function damage and bronchitis are the most common complications. Measles infection in pregnant women easy leads to abortion. The serious cases are less in adults and the prognosis of patients is good.