Abstract

DONOSO F., ALEJANDRO et al. PERTISSIS: A CAUSE OF FATAL PULMONARY HYPERTENSION. Rev. chil. infectol. [online]. 2002, vol.19, n.4, pp. 226-230. ISSN 0716-1018.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0716-10182002000400003.

Fatal myocardial failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension is reported in three infants, from 24 days to 4 months old. The three cases showed persistent tachycardia and marked leukocytosis (> 40.000 leukocytes/mm³), one infant reached hyperleukocytosis values (120.000 leukocytes/mm³). All three died, 24 to 56 hours after admission to PICU. Treatment consisted in mechanical ventilation, inotropic support and antibiotics in all of them, high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in two and inhaled nitric oxide in one case. Necropsy performed in two infants revealed signs of pulmonary hypertension. We recommend to keep in mind this not very well known and often fatal complication in infants with a Bordetella pertussis infection

Keywords : Whooping cough; Bordetella pertussis; Pulmonary hypertension.