The respiratory complications of leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is an uncommon disease. Respiratory failure attributable to this infection is unusual, but remains a major cause of mortality. Mechanical ventilation has been required for patients with significant alveolar hemorrhage and the adult respiratory distress syndrome. We report a patient with ventilatory failure due to the severe muscle weakness associated with leptospirosis and review the pulmonary consequences of this infection.
Overstreet
D S
DS
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY 40292.
Bowen
M G
MG
Hawkins
S C
SC
Roy
T M
TM
D006801:Humans; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology