Clinical and Laboratory Features of Severe Bordetella pertussis in Hospitalized Infants in Southwestern Saudi Arabia
By
Ali Alsuheel Asseri
Norah Alshehri
Ibrahim AlHelali
Ibrahim Al-Benhassan
Ahmed Alhijab Alhazmi
Khalid S. AlShehri
Abdullah Baoqbah
Ghada Haider
Syed Esam Mahmood
Ausaf Ahmad
Tarig Hamad
July 20, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Clinical and Laboratory Features of Severe Bordetella pertussis in Hospitalized Infants in Southwestern Saudi Arabia
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Critical Bordetella pertussis Key Mechanisms Pertussis toxin-induced leukocyte proliferation leading to hyperleukocytosis and pulmonary hypertension. Target Population Infants aged < 3 months, particularly unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. Care Setting Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)
Key Highlights
Severe leukocytosis and respiratory failure are common in critically ill infants. Non-survivors had significantly higher leukocyte counts and inflammatory markers. Clinical features such as apnea and hypoxemia are strongly associated with death. Aggressive interventions were necessary for non-survivors, including exchange transfusions. Maternal vaccination is crucial for reducing early infant pertussis mortality. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Confirm pertussis via PCR in infants presenting with severe respiratory symptoms. Management
Provide supportive care and consider leukoreduction therapies for severe cases. Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor vital signs and laboratory parameters, including WBC count and inflammatory markers. Risks
Higher risk of severe outcomes in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated infants. Patient & Prescribing Data
Infants hospitalized for critical pertussis.
Macrolides and advanced supportive measures are commonly used.
Clinical Best Practices
Strengthen maternal and infant immunization programs. Identify clinical predictors early for prompt intervention. Utilize advanced supportive care in PICU for critically ill infants. Related Resources & Content
