Pertussis

in infants almost always severe

aged \<1yr account for \< 10% of notifications but >60% hospitlisations

90% of pertusis fatalities occur in infants

3 stages;

• catarrhal

• paroxysmal

  • severe foceful coughign follwoed by massive inspiratory effort

• convalescent

pertussis: 6-12wks

severe coughing may cause vomiting and cyanosis

common complications:

• pneumonia

  • present in most fatal cases

• otitis media

rare

• seizures and encephalopathy

  • cerebral hypoxia

    • occur with severe paroxysm

• pulmonary heamorrhoge

• subdural and spinal epidural haematoma

• epistaxis

• gastrointestinal haemorrhage

• subconjunctival haemorrhage

• rupture of diaphragm

• umbilcical and inguinal hernia

• rectla prolapse

• apnoea

• rib #

• severe alkalosis

  • tetanic seizures