To characterize the epidemiological and clinical features of hospitalized pediatric pertussis cases during the 2024 Fuzhou outbreak and to identify predictors of prolonged hospitalization.
Approach:
Study Design: Retrospective analysis of 69 PCR-confirmed pediatric pertussis cases admitted to Fuzhou Second General Hospital in 2024.
Data Evaluation: Evaluated demographics, clinical signs, lab results, and treatment. Performed univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses to identify factors associated with hospitalization duration.
The outbreak began in April 2024, peaked in June-July, and declined by August.
Infants and preschool-aged children had the highest disease burden, with notable incidence in school-aged children.
Prolonged hospitalization was correlated with the absence of fever and normal inflammatory markers.
Elevated platelet counts (β = 0.008, p = 0.003) and increased ALT levels (β = 0.038, p = 0.018) were identified as key predictors of extended hospital stays.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
The study is retrospective and based on a single center.
Findings need validation in larger multicenter prospective studies.
