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[Lung function in preadolescents after pertussis infection. Results of the epidemiologic study in Krakow]
Wiesław Jedrychowski1, Umberto Maugeri, Iwona Jedrychowska-Bianchi
1Katedra Epidemiologii i Medycyny Zapobiegawczej Coll. Med. Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego w Krakowie. myjedyc@cyf-kr.edu.pl
Insights
Past pertussis infection may impair children's lung function. This study found lower FEV1 and FEF25-75% in children with a history of pertussis, suggesting potential long-term respiratory risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Respiratory Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Pertussis (whooping cough) is a significant childhood respiratory illness.
- Long-term effects of pertussis on lung function require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that pertussis infection negatively impacts lung function in children.
- To identify potential risk factors for reduced lung function in preadolescent schoolchildren.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 992 schoolchildren in Krakow.
- Epidemiologic interviews and spirometric testing (measuring FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%).
Main Results:
- Children with a history of pertussis showed significantly lower FEV1 and FEF25-75% values.
- Lower spirometric indices were correlated with allergic diseases and maternal smoking during pregnancy.
- Socio-economic status and recent lower respiratory tract infections were not associated with lung function.
Conclusions:
- Pertussis infection may have a detrimental effect on preadolescent lung function.
- Children post-pertussis may be at increased risk for obstructive lung disease.
- Long-term lung function monitoring is recommended for children after pertussis to implement prophylactic measures.
Abstract:
The main goal of the study was to check the hypothesis that pertussis infection may cause a lung function deterioration in children. Cross sectional study was carried out in 1997 among 992 schoolchildren attending the fourth form of elementary schools in Krakow. In the course of the study the epidemiologic interviews on respiratory health of children and spirometric testing were performed. Spirometric indices (FVC, FEV1 and FEF25-75%) were inversely correlated with allergic diseases, wheezing symptoms and tobacco smoking of mother in pregnancy, however, the effect of the latter variable was of border significance. Socio-economic status of the family and number of infections in lower respiratory tract in children reported over the last year were not related to the lung function level. Children who reported pertussis infection in the past showed significantly lower values of FEV1 and FEF25-75%. The results obtained suggest that pertussis infection may have a detrimental effect on the lung function of preadolescent children. Since these children may be more susceptible to environmental hazards and development of obstructive lung disease, therefore, it is justified to postulate a monitoring of lung function in children after pertussis infection throughout a longer period to detect early lung obstruction and setting up proper prophylactic measures.