Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 28(2): 193-200
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-976491
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome

Betty Chang1 , Mark Crowley2 , Matthew Campen3 , Frederick Koster3
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine
  • 2Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • 3Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Publication History

Publication Date:
25 April 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) is caused by infection with multiple types of hantaviruses throughout the Americas. All strains induce a pulmonary capillary leak syndrome with cardiogenic shock in severe cases, and almost all strains have an overall mortality rate of 35%. Some strains in South America are commonly associated with either mild disease without pulmonary edema or severe disease with pulmonary hemorrhage. Early recognition during the thrombocytopenic prodrome phase and transport to intensive care improve survival, due to very rapid progression of respiratory failure and shock in some patients. Limited fluid replacement, early inotropic therapy, and mechanical ventilation also improve survival. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been life saving for patients with refractory shock. Ribavirin does not appear to reduce mortality, but hyperimmune serum offers a promising future therapy because survival is correlated with higher neutralizing antibody titers at admission.

REFERENCES

Frederick KosterM.D. 

Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute

2425 Ridgecrest Dr., Albuquerque, NM 87108

Email: fkoster@lrri.org