CLINICAL AND LABORATORY FEATURES OF PERTUSSIS IN CHILDREN AT THE NATIONAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical and laboratory features of pertussis in children treated in the National Children’s Hospital from 2024 - 2025. Methods: A study was conducted on 254 children under 16 years of age who were diagnosed with pertussis at the Center for Tropical Diseases, National Children’s Hospital, from June 2024 to September 2025. Results: The highest incidence was observed in infants under 4 months of age (68.1%). Common clinical symptoms included progressive cough (96.1%), paroxysmal cough (90.9%), posttussive expectoration (89.0%), and cyanosis (43.3%). The most frequent complications were pneumonia (45.3%) and respiratory failure (18.9%), with pulmonary hypertension identified as a severe complication in 4.7% of cases. Infants under 4 months had higher rates of cyanosis, apnea, pneumonia, and respiratory failure compared to older children. The mean total white blood cell count and lymphocyte count were 17.9 ± 11.6 (G/L) and 11.9 ± 7.9 (G/L), respectively, peaked in the second week of illness and subsequently declining. The most common chest X-ray finding was increased bronchial markings and bilateral hilar prominence. Conclusion: Pertussis occurs predominantly in infants under four months of age (68.1%) and typically presents with progressively worsening cough (96.1%), paroxysmal cough (90.9%), and posttussive expectoration (89.0%). Severe cases may develop complications such as pneumonia (45.3%), respiratory failure (18.9%), and pulmonary hypertension (4.7%). Leukocytosis and lymphocytosis usually peak in the second week of illness and gradually decrease during recovery, and chest radiographic findings are usually nonspecific.