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[Diffuse alveolar pertussis with major hyperleukocytosis with "pseudocentrocytic" contingent]
J B Cotton1, J Bronner, A Durra
1Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier, Valence, France.
Pediatrie
|January 1, 1992
Summary
A severe case of pertussis in an unvaccinated infant caused respiratory distress and leukocytosis. Vaccination is crucial for preventing severe pertussis pneumonia and its complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis.
- While vaccination significantly reduces disease incidence, severe cases can still occur, particularly in unvaccinated infants.
- Understanding the clinical manifestations and potential complications of pertussis is essential for timely diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- A 21-month-old unvaccinated male infant presented with acute respiratory distress.
- The patient exhibited significant leukocytosis (peak 146 G/l), transient heart failure, and pneumomediastinum.
- Subsequent coughing attacks led to the serological confirmation of pertussis.
Findings:
- This case highlights the potential severity of pertussis pneumonia in unvaccinated children.
- The observed leukocytosis suggests a significant inflammatory response associated with the infection.
- The development of heart failure and pneumomediastinum indicates the systemic impact of severe pertussis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical importance of pertussis vaccination for infants and children.
- It emphasizes the need for prompt recognition and management of severe pertussis to prevent life-threatening complications.
- Further research into the mechanisms of hematologic abnormalities in pertussis may offer new insights into disease pathogenesis.