Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome: clinical aspects

Based on clinical and pathological features a typical case of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome passes through five phases: (1) febrile phase, (2) hypotensive phase, (3) oliguric phase, (4) diuretic phase and (5) convalescent phase. The major manifestations are fever, pain in the back and abdomen, flushed face, prostration, proteinuria, purpura and haemorrhage and acute renal failure. Selective right auricular haemorrhage, marked congestion and haemorrhage in the renal medulla and necrosis of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland are the three prominent pathological findings. The clinical severity depends upon the causative agents, namely Hantaan virus, Seoul virus and the European form in that order. Specific serological diagnosis of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is made by demonstrating a rise in titre of specific immunofluorescent antibody against Hantaan and related viruses. The management is supportive, based on an understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease.