Further experience of reactions, especially of a cerebral nature, in conjunction with triple vaccination: a study based on vaccinations in Sweden 1959-65.

Abstract

Among 516,276 triple-vaccinated children in Sweden from 1959-1965, neurological reactions to the vaccination occurred in 167 cases - destructive encephalopathy 3, convulsions 80, hypsarrhythmia 4, shock 54, uncontrollable screaming 24, and serous meningitis 2. Serous meningitis was also found in 3 of 9 examined cases of convulsions, and elevated protein in cerebrospinal fluid in 1 of 4 examined cases of shock. In conjunction with both convulsions and shock, there may be no or very little rise of temperature. The convulsive symptoms cannot be classified as simple febrile convulsions. The endotoxin of the pertussis bacteria is a neurotoxic agent. The more severe reactions leading to permanent injury seem to have decreased. Erythema, exanthema, edema, and gastrointestinal symptoms were also reported. The great majority of reaction occurred after the 1st injection. Repeated injection appeared to produce the same reaction. All forms of reaction may be of toxic origin. An allergic mechanism may be of relatively limited significance; a certain individual predisposition seems to be important.