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Fever, pulmonary haemorrhage, and acute renal failure in a young girl

F W T Cheng1, T F Leung, N Lee

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi
|October 13, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Leptospirosis, a rare childhood illness, can be fatal if not treated promptly. This case highlights Weil syndrome in a child after travel, emphasizing early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment for severe leptospirosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection with a broad clinical spectrum, often underdiagnosed in pediatric populations.
  • Weil syndrome represents the most severe manifestation of leptospirosis, characterized by jaundice and renal failure.
  • Prompt antibiotic therapy is crucial for managing leptospirosis, preventing severe complications and mortality.

Observation:

  • A 12-year-old girl presented with fever, hypotension, jaundice, and acute renal failure.
  • The patient had recently returned from Mainland China and reported exposure to well water for bathing and freshwater swimming.
  • Clinical presentation was consistent with Weil syndrome, a severe form of leptospirosis.

Findings:

  • The case underscores the potential for severe leptospirosis, including Weil syndrome, in children.
  • Environmental exposures, such as contact with contaminated water, are significant risk factors.
  • Timely recognition and initiation of antibiotic treatment are vital for favorable outcomes.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of leptospirosis in pediatric travel medicine is warranted.
  • Public health initiatives should focus on environmental risk factors and early detection in endemic and non-endemic areas.
  • This case emphasizes the importance of considering leptospirosis in children with febrile illness and multi-organ involvement, especially after relevant exposures.

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