Category: Rare Neurometabolic Movement Disorders
Objective: To systematically map the global therapeutic landscape of SSPE interventions, specifically characterizing drug regimens, dosages, administration routes, and monotherapy versus combination protocols.
Background: SSPE is a fatal neurodegenerative complication of persistent measles infection. Due to its rarity, therapies vary widely. Current strategies rely heavily on antivirals and immunomodulators, yet regimens remain heterogeneous. Understanding these interventions is critical for standardizing care.
Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus targeted SSPE treatments. We included trials and observational studies of antiviral or immunomodulatory therapy. Data extraction focused on intervention types, routes, and regimens. Registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024574988).
Results: From 1188 initially identified studies, we included 83 for final data extraction after deduplication and screening. Preliminary analysis identifies combination therapy as the most frequent global strategy. The standard pairs oral Isoprinosine (50-100 mg/kg/day, up to 4500 mg/day, divided T.I.D./Q.I.D.) with intraventricular Interferon-alpha (escalated from 1×10^4 to 1×10^6 U/m^2/day, typically 5 days/week in 6-week courses). Another common regimen combines Isoprinosine with weekly Interferon Beta-1a (22-60 µg). Ribavirin monotherapy IV (100 mg/kg/day) yielded inadequate CSF levels, requiring intraventricular escalation (1-10 mg/kg/day over 10 days). Carbamazepine is frequently added for myoclonus.
Conclusion: Preliminary findings reveal a strong global reliance on combination therapies – primarily Isoprinosine with intraventricular interferons to combat SSPE. The wide variance in dosing, routes, and frequencies underscores the urgent need for standardized, evidence-based clinical guidelines.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
V. Jadhav, S. Errabelly, M. Tripathi, D. Dash, P. Mohapatra, E. Arunmozhimaran. The Therapeutic Landscape of SSPE: A Systematic Review of Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Modalities [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2026; 41 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-therapeutic-landscape-of-sspe-a-systematic-review-of-antiviral-and-immunomodulatory-modalities/. Accessed October 1, 2026.« Back to 2026 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-therapeutic-landscape-of-sspe-a-systematic-review-of-antiviral-and-immunomodulatory-modalities/