Adverse Effects of Pertussis and Rubella Vaccines

Parents have come to depend on vaccines to protect their children from a variety of diseases. Some evidence suggests, however, that vaccination against pertussis (whooping cough) and rubella (German measles) is, in a small number of cases, associated with increased risk of serious illness.This book examines the controversy over the evidence and offers a comprehensively documented assessment of the risk of illness following immunization with vaccines against pertussis and rubella. Based on extensive review of the evidence from epidemiologic studies, case histories, studies in animals, and other sources of information, the book examines:The relation of pertussis vaccines to a number of serious adverse events, including encephalopathy and other central nervous system disorders, sudden infant death syndrome, autism, Guillain-Barre syndrome, learning disabilities, and Reye syndrome.The relation of rubella vaccines to arthritis, various neuropathies, and thrombocytopenic purpura.The volume, which includes a description of the committee's methods for evaluating evidence and directions for future research, will be important reading for public health officials, pediatricians, researchers, and concerned parents.Table of ContentsFront Matter1 Executive Summary2 Histories of Pertussis and Rubella Vaccines3 Methodologic Considerations in Evaluating the Evidence4 Evidence Concerning Pertussis Vaccines and Central Nervous System Disorders, Including Infantile Spasms, Hypsarrhythmia, Aseptic Meningitis, and Encephalopathy5 Evidence Concerning Pertussis Vaccinces and Deaths Classified as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)6 Evidence Concerning Pertussis Vaccines and Other Illnesses and Conditions7 Evidence Concerning Rubella Vaccines and Arthritis, Radiculoneuritis, and Thrombocytopenic PurpuraAfterword on Research NeedsBibliographyGlossary of TermsAppendix A: Strategies for Gathering Information: Adverse Effects of Pertussis and Rubella VaccinesAppendix B: Pertussis and Rubella Vaccines: A Brief ChronologyAppendix C: Animal Models for the Study of Whooping Cough and the Testing of Vaccine MaterialsAppendix D: Technical Details of Power Calculations and Meta-AnalysesAppendix E: Possible Involvement of Aluminum Salts in Erythema Multiforme, Encephalopathy, or Other Adverse Events After Pertussis ImmunizationAppendix F: Committee and Staff BiographiesIndex