What is a significant complication associated with pertussis in infants?

In infants, pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can lead to a variety of complications due to the severity of the illness and the immature respiratory systems of young children. One significant complication associated with pertussis in this population is encephalopathy.

Encephalopathy refers to a broad category of brain dysfunction that can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections. In the context of pertussis, the prolonged cough and hypoxemia associated with the illness can lead to anoxic brain injury, which is a crucial risk factor for developing encephalopathy. Infants who experience severe cases of pertussis may suffer from repetitive bouts of coughing that can lead to oxygen deprivation, resulting in neurological consequences.

While other complications may arise from pertussis, encephalopathy is particularly notable because it poses a long-term risk to cognitive and neurological function, highlighting the importance of prevention through vaccination and prompt treatment for infants experiencing symptoms of pertussis.