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 Contents
Front Matter
1 Executive Summary
2 Histories of Pertussis and Rubella Vaccines
3 Methodologic Considerations in Evaluating the Evidence
4 Evidence Concerning Pertussis Vaccines and Central Nervous System
Disorders, Including Infantile Spasms, Hypsarrhythmia, Aseptic
Meningitis, and Encephalopathy
5 Evidence Concerning Pertussis Vaccinces and Deaths Classified as
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
6 Evidence Concerning Pertussis Vaccines and Other Illnesses and
Conditions
7 Evidence Concerning Rubella Vaccines and Arthritis,
Radiculoneuritis, and Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Afterword on Research Needs
Bibliography
Glossary of Terms
Appendix A: Strategies for Gathering Information: Adverse Effects
of Pertussis and Rubella Vaccines
Appendix B: Pertussis and Rubella Vaccines: A Brief Chronology
Appendix C: Animal Models for the Study of Whooping Cough and the
Testing of Vaccine Materials
Appendix D: Technical Details of Power Calculations and
Meta-Analyses
Appendix E: Possible Involvement of Aluminum Salts in Erythema
Multiforme, Encephalopathy, or Other Adverse Events After Pertussis
Immunization
Appendix F: Committee and Staff Biographies
Index
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