[Malignant pertussis and exchange transfusion]

Abstract

Case report: Malignant pertussis is a critical clinical state associated with fatal outcome in 70% of cases. The severity criteria are a lung infection with pulmonary hypertension and hyperleukocytosis usually above 50 G/L. We report the case of a 2.5-month-old girl hospitalized with critical pertussis in a pediatric intensive care unit. She had acute respiratory distress syndrome with pulmonary hypertension complicated by a bacterial secondary infection with Enterobacter cloacae managed by high-frequency oscillatory ventilation associated with pulmonary vasodilatation therapy. In the absence of clinical improvement and before considering extracorporeal life support, exchange transfusion was performed at day 9 to reduce hyperleukocytosis at 70 G/L. Exchange transfusion was successfully performed with a reduction of leukocytes to under 40 G/L followed by steady improvement of pulmonary function. Weaning from mechanical ventilation and discharge took place at day 23 and 38, respectively.

Comments: Exchange transfusion should be considered in infants suffering from malignant pertussis with extreme leukocytosis before hemodynamic failure to improve the survival prognosis.