Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression
Published on: June 15, 2019
[Immunomodulation in severe leptospirosis with multiple organ failure: plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin or
E Meaudre1, Y Asencio, A Montcriol
1Département d'anesthésie-réanimation, hôpital d'instruction des Armées Sainte-Anne, boulevard Sainte-Anne, 83000 Toulon, France. meaudre@club-internet.fr
Insights
Severe leptospirosis led to multiple organ failure. Immunomodulation with methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin therapy rapidly improved this patient
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection that can cause severe systemic illness.
- Multiple organ failure syndrome (MOFS) is a life-threatening complication of severe infections.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old patient presented with symptoms of severe leptospirosis, including fever, asthenia, myalgias, acute renal failure, hyperbilirubinemia, rhabdomyolysis, and thrombocytopenia.
- Despite initial treatment with amoxicillin and continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration, the patient's condition worsened, developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and increased hyperbilirubinemia.
Findings:
- Administration of methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin resulted in rapid clinical and biological improvement.
- This case highlights the potential benefit of immunomodulatory therapy in severe leptospirosis with MOFS.
Implications:
- Early recognition and aggressive management, including immunomodulation, may be crucial for improving outcomes in severe leptospirosis.
- Further research into the role of immunomodulation in leptospirosis is warranted.
Abstract:
We report a case of severe leptospirosis complicated with a multiple organ failure syndrome. A 62-year-old patient presented a picture associating fever, asthenia and myalgias, particularly intense on the calves. The assessment showed acute renal failure, hyperbilirubinemia, severe rhabdomyolysis and thrombocytopenia. Although initial management associating amoxicilline and continuous veino-venous hemodiafiltration, evolution was unfavourable, with SDRA and increase of hyperbilirubinemia. Administration of a bolus of 500 mg of methylprednisolone, associated with intravenous immunoglobulin (0,4 g/kg per day during five days), led to a rapid clinical and biological improvement. Immunomodulation aspects during leptospirosis are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care