A retrospective study on pediatric pertussis: comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, laboratory indicators, and diagnostic efficacy of case definitions

The age distribution of pediatric pertussis shifted from young infants to preschool- and school-aged children. Clinical features alone are insufficient for reliable diagnosis due to overlap with non-pertussis cases. Elevated neutrophil count serves as an independent predictor of ICU admission, highlighting its potential utility for early risk stratification in pediatric pertussis.