Severe Leptospirosis with Multiple Organ Failure Successfully Treated by Plasma Exchange and High-Volume Hemofiltration

Background. Leptospirosis is a spirochetal zoonosis with complex clinical features including renal and liver failure. Case report. We report the case of a Swiss fisherman presenting with leptospirosis. After initial improvement, refractory septic shock and severe liver and kidney failure developed....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vincent Bourquin, Belén Ponte, Bernard Hirschel, Jérôme Pugin, Pierre-Yves Martin, Patrick Saudan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2011-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Nephrology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/817414
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Summary:Background. Leptospirosis is a spirochetal zoonosis with complex clinical features including renal and liver failure. Case report. We report the case of a Swiss fisherman presenting with leptospirosis. After initial improvement, refractory septic shock and severe liver and kidney failure developed. The expected mortality was estimated at 90% with clinical scores. The patient underwent plasma exchanges and high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) with complete recovery of hepatic and kidney functions. Discussion. Plasma exchanges and HVHF may confer survival benefit on patients with severe leptospirosis, refractory septic shock, and multiple-organ failure.
ISSN:2090-6641
2090-665X