Severe leptospirosis in tropical Australia: Optimising intensive care unit management to reduce mortality.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Severe leptospirosis can have a case-fatality rate of over 50%, even with intensive care unit (ICU) support. Multiple strategies-including protective ventilation and early renal replacement therapy (RRT)-have been recommended to improve outcomes. However, management guidelines vary widely around the world and there is no consensus on the optimal approach.

Methodology/principal findings

All cases of leptospirosis admitted to the ICU of Cairns Hospital in tropical Australia between 1998 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' demographics, presentation, management and clinical course were examined. The 55 patients' median (interquartile range (IQR)) age was 47 (32-62) years and their median (IQR) APACHE III score was 67 (48-105). All 55 received approp

SUBMITTER: Smith S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6907868 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature