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Radiotherapy for Pertussis: An Historical Assessment
Edward J Calabrese1, Gaurav Dhawan2, Rachna Kapoor3
1Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
Summary
X-ray therapy effectively treated pertussis (whooping cough) in over 1500 children between 1923-1936, significantly reducing severe symptoms and mortality. Concerns over radiation exposure eventually led to its discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Radiotherapy
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pertussis (whooping cough) was a significant childhood illness before widespread vaccination.
- X-ray therapy emerged as a potential treatment modality for pertussis in the early 20th century.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical application and outcomes of X-ray therapy for pertussis treatment.
- To assess the efficacy and safety concerns associated with early radiotherapy for whooping cough.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of twenty studies from North America and Europe conducted between 1923 and 1936.
- Inclusion of approximately 1500 pediatric and adult pertussis cases treated with X-ray therapy, typically at sub-erythema doses.
Main Results:
- Significant symptom relief (coughing, vomiting, spasms) reported in approximately 85% of cases after up to three treatments.
- Over 90% reduction in mortality observed in young children (<3 years) treated with X-rays.
- Controversy arose due to concerns regarding radiation exposure to the thymus and thyroid, despite lead shielding.
Conclusions:
- X-ray therapy demonstrated considerable clinical success in treating pertussis, particularly in young children, with notable symptom improvement and mortality reduction.
- Concerns about potential long-term side effects of radiation exposure ultimately led to the abandonment of this treatment in favor of vaccine therapy by the mid-1930s.
