Management of Complications
Treatment Options and Supportive Care
Safe and effective antiviral therapy for measles is not available. In vitro data suggest that ribavirin, a guanosine analog used to treat hepatitis C and viral hemorrhagic fevers, impairs measles morbillivirus (MeV) replication. However, while several cases of ribavirin efficacy in children with severe measles (particularly immunocompromised individuals) have been reported, no controlled trials have been conducted do date and the drug is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for treatment of measles. Management therefore centers on supportive care.
Uncomplicated cases of measles require only symptomatic care, including bed rest, hydration (especially if diarrhea is present) and antipyretics. Patients with secondary bacterial infections require prompt treatment with an appropriate antibiotic regimen, the choice of which depends on the causative organism and type of infection. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not recommended.
To continue reading
Log in or register to continue reading. It's free!
OR
By signing up to create an account, I accept Healio's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Treatment Options and Supportive Care
Safe and effective antiviral therapy for measles is not available. In vitro data suggest that ribavirin, a guanosine analog used to treat hepatitis C and viral hemorrhagic fevers, impairs measles morbillivirus (MeV) replication. However, while several cases of ribavirin efficacy in children with severe measles (particularly immunocompromised individuals) have been reported, no controlled trials have been conducted do date and the drug is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for treatment of measles. Management therefore centers on supportive care.
Uncomplicated cases of measles require only symptomatic care, including bed rest, hydration (especially if diarrhea is present) and antipyretics. Patients with secondary bacterial infections require prompt treatment with an appropriate antibiotic regimen, the choice of which depends on the causative organism and type of infection. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not recommended.
References
- Arciuolo RJ, Jablonski RR, Zucker JR, Rosen JB. Effectiveness of Measles Vaccination and Immune Globulin Post-Exposure Prophylaxis in an Outbreak Setting-New York City, 2013. Clin Infect Dis. 2017;65(11):1843-1847.
- Barrabeig I, Rovira A, Rius C, et al. Effectiveness of measles vaccination for control of exposed children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2011;30(1):78-80.
