Author(s)

Sahil N. Fulara, Nasir Y. Fulara

Department of Medicine, Jaslok Hospital and Medical Research Center, Mumbai, India.

Leptospiroisis presents with a wide range of clinical symptoms, ranging from mild disease symptoms to life threatening complications. The clinical features and routine laboratory findings are not specific, and therefore a high index of suspicion must be maintained for the diagnosis. We documented a case of a patient, who presented with high grade fever, diarrhea, vomiting, had icterus on examination. Initial laboratory investigations revealed low platelet count, along with raised liver enzymes. IgM leptospirosis came positive and patients received broad spectrum antimicrobials and supportive fluid therapy. During admission, patient developed sudden onset breathlessness, which was diagnosed as acute respiratory distress syndrome after doing immediate arterial blood gases. The patient received noninvasive ventilation with positive airway pressure, from which the patient eventually recovered. Most of the cases of leptospirosis are uneventful with complete recovery. However, a minority of these cases may end with life threatening complications. A vaccine for human use is not available in most countries. Therefore, the prevention involves reducing exposure, either by avoiding situations that pose a risk of transmission or using protective clothing.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Leptospirosis, Noninvasive Ventilation, Zoonoses

Fulara, S. and Fulara, N. (2016) Weil’s Disease (Fulminating Leptospirosis) Complicating as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Open Journal of Clinical Diagnostics, 6, 19-24. doi: 10.4236/ojcd.2016.63004.