Approach
Supportive care
There is no specific treatment of measles except for supportive care. Antipyretics can be given to relieve fever and pruritis.[35][36] Aspirin should be avoided. If there is photophobia, the patient may be more comfortable in a dimly lit environment. Respiratory support in the event of pneumonia and neurologic support in the event of encephalitis should be given.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is recommended in all serious cases of measles, even in countries where measles is not usually severe.[2][21] A Cochrane review demonstrated a clinically meaningful association between vitamin A supplementation and decreased morbidity and mortality in children, though a specific association of vitamin A supplementation with reduction of measles morbidity and mortality was not shown.[37] Some studies have shown that high doses of vitamin A can decrease morbidity and mortality in children with measles.[38]
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Consider vitamin A in children who:[39]
Are up to 2 years of age
Are hospitalized with measles
Have complications of measles
Have immunodeficiency
Have clinical evidence of vitamin A deficiency
Have impaired intestinal absorption and malnutrition
Have recently emigrated from areas where measles mortality rates are high.
Antiviral agents
Agents such as ribavirin and interferon are not used routinely. Ribavirin may reduce duration of illness and both ribavirin and interferon may be useful in treating disease in immunocompromised individuals.[40] No controlled trials have been conducted.
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