TITLE:
Weil’s Disease (Fulminating Leptospirosis) Complicating as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
AUTHORS:
Sahil N. Fulara, Nasir Y. Fulara
KEYWORDS:
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Leptospirosis, Noninvasive Ventilation, Zoonoses
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Clinical Diagnostics,
Vol.6 No.3,
August
26,
2016
ABSTRACT: Leptospiroisis presents with
a wide range of clinical symptoms, ranging from mild disease symptoms to life threatening
complications. The clinical features and routine laboratory findings are not specific,
and therefore a high index of suspicion must be maintained for the diagnosis.
We documented a case of a patient, who presented with high grade fever, diarrhea,
vomiting, had icterus on examination. Initial laboratory investigations
revealed low platelet count, along with raised liver enzymes. IgM leptospirosis
came positive and patients received broad spectrum antimicrobials and supportive
fluid therapy. During admission, patient developed sudden onset breathlessness,
which was diagnosed as acute respiratory distress syndrome after doing immediate
arterial blood gases. The patient received noninvasive ventilation with positive
airway pressure, from which the patient eventually recovered. Most of the cases
of leptospirosis are uneventful with complete recovery. However, a minority of these cases may end with life threatening
complications. A vaccine for human use is not available in most countries. Therefore, the prevention involves reducing exposure, either by
avoiding situations that pose a risk of transmission or using protective clothing.