PEDIATRIC CASES OF PERTUSIS WITH LEUKEMOID REACTION TREATED WITH THERAPEUTIC LEUKOCYTAPHERESIS

Background and Objectives: Epidemic kind of scenario for Pertussis with leukemoid reaction at a rural area of Gujarat, India. A new indication for therapeutic leukocytapheresis,as limited literature on this topic is available. Pertussis (Whooping cough) is a respiratory tract infection characterized by paroxysmal cough.]It spreads through airborne droplets and is highly contagious. Risk factors for acquiring pertussis include pregnancy, epidemic exposure, lack of immunization, close contact with an infected individual. Materials and Methods: Study was done retrospectively. Follow up of pediatric patients diagnosed with Pertussis on swab with leukemoid reaction was done. Leukocytapheresis was done on Spectra Optia machine with the exchange kit. Clinical and hemodynamic laboratory parameters were evaluated. Results: Out of 3 pediatric patient, one survived follow up was done till 6 months post procedure,2 patients died 10-20 days post-procedure. Conclusion: we conclude that at present there is no effective treatment for malignant pertussis..Leukocytapheresis have been associated with high mortality and complications. Role of leukocytapheresis can't be established by mere 3 procedures large number of target population is required