Pertussis in hospitalized children
V. N. Gan and T. V. Murphy
Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
Before the whole-cell pertussis vaccine was available, Bordetella pertussis
infections were an important cause of morbidity and mortality in infants.
To determine the extent of continuing morbidity in an era of vaccination, a
retrospective review was conducted of the records of neonates and infants
hospitalized with pertussis infection at Parkland Memorial Hospital and
Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Tex. During the 20 years from 1967
through 1986, 182 patients were younger than 24 months. Among 176 patients
whose immunization history was recorded, 89% had received fewer than two
doses of pertussis vaccine. The mean hospital stay was 7.4 days (range, 1
to 69 days). A convulsion occurred in 11 patients (6%). Apnea was reported
in 45 patients (25%) and observed in the hospital in 26 (14%). Nine
patients (5%) received mechanical ventilatory therapy. Intensive care
monitoring was required in 18 patients (10%). Three (1.6%) died, all with
secondary bacterial pneumonia. This hospital-based population indicates
that pertussis continues to be a cause of serious morbidity and mortality
in infants.
