Drotrecogin Alpha (Activated) in Two Patients with the Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) is associated with rapid cardiopulmonary collapse from endothelial injury, resulting in massive capillary leak, shock and severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. To date, treatment remains supportive and includes mechanical ventilation, vasopressors and extra...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Robert C McDermid, RT Noel Gibney, Ronald J Brisebois, Neil M Skjodt
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2006-01-01
Series:Canadian Respiratory Journal
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2006/359891
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) is associated with rapid cardiopulmonary collapse from endothelial injury, resulting in massive capillary leak, shock and severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. To date, treatment remains supportive and includes mechanical ventilation, vasopressors and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with mortality approaching 50%. Two HCPS survivors initially given drotrecogin alpha (activated) (DAA) for presumed bacterial septic shock are described. Vasoactive medications were required for a maximum of 52 h, whereas creatinine levels and platelet counts normalized within seven to nine days. Given the similar presentations of HCPS and bacterial septic shock, empirical DAA therapy will likely be initiated before a definitive diagnosis of HCPS is made. Further observations of DAA in HCPS seem warranted.
ISSN:1198-2241