Increased risk of chronic suppurative lung disease after measles or pertussis in non-vaccinated children

Abstract

We retrospectively analysed 23 children originating from Campania--Southern Italy--with recurrent pneumonia and chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) proven bronchiectasis. In six patients (26%) who had not undergone measles or pertussis vaccination, recurrent pneumonia started after an episode of lower respiratory tract infection complicating pertussis (n=2) or measles (n=4), contracted at a mean age of 3.6 years. Thirty-three percent (2/6) and 67% (4/6) of the patients had bilateral or monolobar disease, respectively, while in two subjects (33%) bronchiectasis were found in all lobes. These findings indicate an increased risk of developing bronchiectasis after measles or pertussis.