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Published on: March 14, 2017
Exchange transfusion for hyperleucocytosis in a critical case of pertussis
Nihal Akçay1, Demet Tosun1, İlyas Bingöl1
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Severe leucocytosis in infants with pertussis can cause respiratory failure. Exchange transfusion effectively reduced white blood cell counts, stabilizing the infant and highlighting its life-saving potential in critical pertussis cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Pertussis can lead to severe respiratory distress and complications in infants.
- Leucocytosis (high white blood cell count) is a critical complication of pertussis.
- Respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension pose significant risks in affected infants.
Abstract:
An 8-week-old infant girl with pertussis-induced respiratory distress, complicated by severe leucocytosis, pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure is reported. She was treated with mechanical ventilation, exchange transfusion and other supportive measures. A single-volume exchange transfusion significantly reduced the elevated white blood cell count and stabilised her condition. This case underscores the potential role of exchange transfusion as a life-saving intervention in critical pertussis cases with severe leucocytosis.
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