Abstract
Introduction: Infants with severe Pertussis infection in the first weeks of life show a high mortality risk. A poor prognosis is associated with high white blood cell count and severe pulmonary hypertension. The mechanisms of this severe complication are not completely understood; pulmonary vascular occlusion by leukocyte thrombi is reported. In the last years, new therapeutic options have been reported to reduce leukocyte mass, including the exchange transfusion.
Case report: We report 2 infants under six month-old with severe Pertussis, presenting with cardiogenic shock, hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension. During hospitalization in PICU, they presented hyperleukocytosis (45-106 x 109/l). Exchange transfusion (double volume) was performed; through the procedure the white blood cell decreased, the cardiopulmonary condition improved and the patients finally survived.
Conclusion: In our experience, the clinical course and prognosis were different compared to the common evolution seen in infants with severe Pertussis infection. In the future, exchange transfusion could be considered as a therapy in severe Pertussis infection with hyperleukocytosis.
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Copyright (c) 2005 Revista Chilena de Pediatría