Pathophysiological mechanism of lung injury in patients with leptospirosis.
OBJECTIVE
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious clinical problem. We investigated the pathogenetic mechanisms of ALI caused by leptospirosis.


METHODS
The study included five cases of leptospirosis. We monitored the arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR) and analysed the AP and HR variabilities for assessment of autonomic functions. Histopathological changes in the lung, brain, kidney, and liver were examined. In addition, we identified the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) using immunohistochemical stain.


RESULTS
Five patients associated with leptospirosis died of ALI. Before death, severe hypotension and bradycardia occurred. Spectral analysis of AP and HR variabilities indicated decreased sympathetic drive with increased parasympathetic activity. Pathological examinations revealed alveolar haemorrhage and necrotic lesions in various organs. Immunohistochemical stain disclosed iNOS activity in multiple organs. Biochemical determinations indicated hypoxia, hyperglycaemia, increased nitrite/nitrate, methyl guanidine and other factors.


CONCLUSIONS
These changes suggest that leptospirosis causes severe hypotension and bradycardia accompanied by autonomic dysfunction. Finally, multiple organ failure and damage ensued. The pathogenesis of lung and organ injury may involve iNOS and NO production.
Chen
Hsing I
HI
Institute of Integrative Physiology and Clinical Sciences and of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
Kao
Shang Jyh
SJ
Hsu
Yung-Hsiang
YH
D000328:Adult; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000209:etiology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / Q000378:metabolism; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*
D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II