[Malignant pertussis: 3 case reports]

L Berthomieu1, B Boumahni, K Jamal Bey

  • 1Service de réanimation néonatale et pédiatrique, groupe hospitalier Sud-Réunion, 97410 Saint-Pierre, Réunion, France. lionel.berthomieu@voila.fr

Insights

Malignant pertussis is a severe infection in infants under 2 months, often leading to death. Current treatments are largely ineffective, highlighting the critical need for prevention strategies in young adults.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Malignant pertussis poses a significant threat to young infants.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing severe pertussis cases.

Observation:

  • Three infants under two months experienced severe pertussis requiring hospitalization.
  • Echocardiography revealed pulmonary hypertension in affected infants.
  • Standard treatments like high-frequency oscillations and nitric oxide failed to improve outcomes.

Findings:

  • All hospitalized infants experienced progressive respiratory and hemodynamic deterioration.
  • Exchange transfusion was unsuccessful in the third case.
  • Multiorgan failure led to the death of all three infants.

Implications:

  • Malignant pertussis is a leading cause of infectious mortality in neonates.
  • Current therapeutic strategies for severe pertussis in infants are often ineffective.
  • Prevention through vaccination of young adults is paramount to protect vulnerable infants.

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