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[Malignant pertussis in the young infant]

H Pilorget1, A Montbrun, T Attali

  • 1Réanimation néonatale et pédiatrique, CHD Félix-Guyon, 97405 Saint-Denis cedex, La Réunion, France. neonat@chd-fguyon.fr

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|September 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Malignant pertussis is a severe condition in infants, often fatal despite treatment. Adult pertussis is a key source of infant infection, highlighting the need for widespread vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pertussis is a leading cause of infant mortality in France.
  • Malignant pertussis predominantly affects infants aged 10 days to 2 months.

Observation:

  • A 40-day-old infant presented with bronchiolitis, tachycardia, leukocytosis, and neurological symptoms.
  • The infant rapidly developed respiratory and circulatory failure, succumbing within five days.
  • Pertussis was confirmed via PCR, with intra-familial transmission suspected.

Findings:

  • Malignant pertussis is defined by young patient age, persistent tachycardia, respiratory failure, neurological signs, hyperleukocytosis, and hyponatremia.
  • Mortality rates exceed 75% even with intensive care.
  • Adult pertussis is a significant source of infection for unvaccinated infants.

Implications:

  • Widespread pertussis booster vaccination in adolescents is crucial.
  • Extending vaccination to adults is under consideration to protect vulnerable infants.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing severe pertussis cases.
Abstract

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