A putative link between pertussis and new onset of gastroesophageal reflux an observational study.

Background: Pertussis is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract with a changing epidemiology. An increasing incidence has been found in the adult population with recurrent infections possibly related to changes in the current vaccine. Is there an association between pertussis infection, refractory cough and atypical gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD)? Does this magnify and compound respiratory complications?

Methods: Observational study which compares post-pertussis (n=103) with non-pertussis patients (n=105) with established GORD. Patients were assessed for laryngopharyngeal reflux and aspiration of refluxate by a novel scintigraphic study.

Results: Both groups showed severe GORD in association with high rates of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and pulmonary aspiration and lung disease. High rates of hiatus hernia and clinical diagnosis of "atypical" asthma showed correlations with pulmonary aspiration.

Conclusions: A high level of new onset LPR and lung aspiration has been shown in patients with chronic cough after recent pertussis infection by a novel scintigraphic technique with fused hybrid x-ray computed tomography (SPECT/CT).