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Pulmonary involvement in leptospirosis.
M A Martínez García1, A de Diego Damiá, R Menéndez Villanueva
1Pneumology Service, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain. med013413@nacom.es
Summary
Pulmonary involvement is common in leptospirosis patients, with many showing lung abnormalities on radiographs. Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of developing these respiratory complications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Pulmonary involvement can be a severe complication of leptospirosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of pulmonary involvement in patients diagnosed with leptospirosis.
- To identify risk factors associated with respiratory complications in leptospirosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 26 patients diagnosed with leptospirosis.
- Review of patient records, including respiratory symptoms and chest radiographs.
- Statistical analysis to identify factors associated with pulmonary involvement.
Main Results:
- Seventeen of 26 patients (65%) presented with respiratory symptoms.
- Pulmonary abnormalities were found in 13 of these 17 patients (76%) via radiographs.
- Bilateral patchy alveolar-acinar patterns were the most frequent radiographic finding (n=6).
- Three patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and died from multiorgan failure.
- Cigarette smoking was significantly associated with respiratory involvement (OR, 19.2; P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary manifestations are frequent in leptospirosis patients.
- Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for pulmonary involvement in human leptospirosis.
- Early recognition and management of respiratory symptoms are crucial in leptospirosis cases, especially in smokers.