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Children Admitted with Pertussis Over a One-Year Period
Aims:
This study examines cases of Bordetella pertussis admitted to a tertiary hospital in Dublin, Ireland over a one-year period. Described are the demographics, clinical features, severity, morbidity, clinical course and vaccination status of patients.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included all children admitted with pertussis from January 2024 to December 2024 inclusive. Data were collected from patient records and analysed with descriptive statistics.
Results:
Of the 26 children admitted, 20 (76.9%) were <6 months of age. Median length of stay was 7 days and 3 (11.5%) required readmission. Oxygen supplementation was required in 10 (38.4%) cases and intravenous hydration for >48 hours in 11 (42.3%). The pertussis severity score (PSS) was >5 (severe) in 18 (69.2%). Vaccine eligible children comprised 16 of 26 cases (61.5%). Vaccination status was documented in 24 children; 13 (54.1%) were unvaccinated against pertussis, with 10 (76.9%) ineligible due to age. Vaccination was completed in 4 (16.7%), and 7 (29.1%) were partially vaccinated. Maternal vaccination status was documented in 15 cases, 3 (20.0%) received antenatal vaccination.
Conclusion:
Pertussis is associated with significant morbidity particularly in infants. Many children are admitted before full vaccination highlighting the importance of maternal antenatal pertussis vaccination.
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Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause: