Kavitha, TKSamprathi, MadhusudanJayashree, MuralidharanGautam, VikasSangal, Lucky2020-04-232020-04-232020-03Kavitha TK, Samprathi Madhusudan, Jayashree Muralidharan, Gautam Vikas, Sangal Lucky. Clinical Profile of Critical Pertussis in Children at a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Northern India. Indian Pediatrics. 2020 Mar; 57(3): 228-2310974-75590019-6061http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/199502Objective: To delineate the clinical profile, complications, intensive care needs, andpredictors of mortality in children with critical pertussis. Methods: Retrospective analysis ofcase records of children in the pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary-care hospital, with adiagnosis of critical pertussis over 3 years. Diagnostic criteria included CDC case definitionand confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), when available. Survivors and non-survivors were compared to identify predictors of mortality. Results: 36 records wereanalysed, most cases were infants (31, 86.1%). 10 (27.7%) were (below 6 weeks of age). Inthe rest, 16 (61.5%) were partially immunized or unimmunized against pertussis. Rapidbreathing (88.9%), paroxysmal cough (86.1%) and apnea (41.7%) were common presentingcomplaints. Hypoxemia (97.2%), hyperleukocytosis (61.1%) and encephalopathy (52.8%)were common complications. Intensive care needs were mechanical ventilation in 11(30.6%), vasoactive support in 7 (19.4%) and exchange transfusion in 3 (8.3%). Femalegender, apnea, hyperleukocytosis, encephalopathy, need for vasoactive support, andmechanical ventilation predicted mortality. Conclusion: Pertussis demands attention due toits varied presentation, increased complications and higher mortality.ApneaDPT vaccineImmunizationOutcomeJournal ArticleIndiaPediatric Emergency and Intensive Care Units, Institute of Medical Education andResearch, Chandigarh, IndiaMedical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education andResearch, Chandigarh, IndiaNPO-VPD laboratories, WHO Country Office for India.