The continued emergence of hantaviruses: isolation of a Seoul virus implicated in human disease, United Kingdom, October 2012

Following a suspected case of hantavirus in a patientsuffering from acute kidney injury, rodents fromthe patient’s property in Yorkshire and the Humber,United Kingdom (UK) were screened for hantaviruses.Hantavirus RNA was detected via RT-PCR in two Rattusnorvegicus. Complete sequencing and phylogeneticanalysis established the virus as a Seoul hantavirus,which we have provisionally designated as strainHumber. This is the first hantavirus isolated from wildrodents in the UK and confirms the presence of a pathogenicSeoul virus in Europe.

Thrombocytopenia as a predictor of severe acute kidney injury in patients with Hantaan virus infections

Background

Hematological abnormalities often occur several days before kidney injury in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). We aimed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic value of the early hematological markers in patients with HFRS caused by Hantaan virus (HTNV) infection.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the case records of 112 patients with acute HTNV infection and evaluated the hematological markers for early prediction and risk stratification of HFRS patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Results

Of 112 patients analyzed, 66 (59%) developed severe AKI, defined as either receipt of acute dialysis or increased serum creatinine ≥354 µmol/L. The prognostic accuracy of hematological markers, as quantified by the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC), was highest with the nadir platelet count (AUC, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.95), as compared with the admission platelet count (AUC, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77–0.92), and the admission and peak leukocyte counts. The nadir platelet count correlated moderately with the levels of peak blood urea nitrogen (r = –0.616) and serum creatinine (r = –0.589), the length of hospital stay (r = –0.599), and the number of dialysis sessions that each patient received during hospital stay (r = –0.625). By multivariate analysis, decreased nadir platelet count remained independently associated with the development of severe AKI (odds ratio, 27.57; 95% CI, 6.96–109.16; P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Thrombocytopenia, rather than leukocytosis, is independently associated with subsequent severe AKI among patients with acute HTNV infection.

Incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury in HIV Infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Although HIV-infected persons are at higher risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) during hospitalization compared with their uninfected counterparts, risk factors for AKI are not well-defined. We aimed to describe the evolving incidence of AKI among HIV-infected individuals and to identify important AKI risk factors.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 56,823 HIV-infected persons in the Department of Veterans Affairs Clinical Case Registry. Outcomes were: AKI (acute in-hospital serum creatinine increase of ≥0.3 mg/dl, or a relative increase by 50% or greater), and dialysis-requiring AKI. We used proportional hazards regressions to identify risk factors.

RESULTS

From its peak in 1995 at 62 per 1,000 person-years, the incidence of AKI declined after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996 to a low point of 25 per 1,000 person-years in 2006. Incidence of dialysis-requiring AKI declined in the early 1990s, but doubled between 2000 and 2006. Using multivariate proportional hazard regression, we identified the following strong risk factors for AKI: chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) (5.38, 95% CI: 5.11-5.67), proteinuria (1.78, 1.70-1.87), low serum albumin (<3.7 mg/dl) (5.24, 4.82-5.71), low body mass index (<18.5 kg/m(2)) (1.69, 1.54-1.86), cardiovascular disease (1.77, 1.66-1.89), low CD4 count (<200 cells/mm(3)) (2.54, 2.33-2.77), and high viral load (≥100,000 copies/ml) (2.51, 2.28-2.75). In addition, there was substantial heterogeneity in the strengths of risk factors for dialysis-requiring AKI before and after the introduction of HAART.

CONCLUSIONS

Although AKI incidence has decreased during the HAART era, it remains common in HIV-infected persons and appears attributable to both kidney- and HIV-related factors.

[Acute kidney injury in critically ill children infected with influenza A virus (H1N1) and enterovirus 71]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill childhood patients with influenza A virus (H1N1) and enterovirus 71 (EV71), and to study the significance of the serum creatinine and urine output in diagnosis of AKI.

METHOD

The clinical data of AKI in critically ill children admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with confirmed influenza A (H1N1) or enterovirus 71 infection (EV71 group) from Oct. 2009 to Oct. 2010.

RESULT

Twenty-eight critically ill children were involved in the study. In H1N1 group, there were 18 cases including 6 males and 12 females, and the average age was 5.4 years. In EV71 group, there were 10 cases including 8 males and 2 females, and the average age was 1.1 years. In H1N1 group: 4 cases developed AKI, whose average number of involved organ was 5.3. Two children were classified as first stage completely recovered after treatment; three children who were classified as third stage died. In 14 children without AKI, the average number of involved organ was 3.0, four of these children died. In EV71 group: 3 cases (first stage) developed AKI and 3 cases' serum creatinine increased to 45.0 to 47.6 percent from baseline. The average number of involved organ was 5.7. All the six children died. The other 4 cases whose serum creatinine was normal, and the average number of involved organ was 3.0, recovered.

CONCLUSION

In critically ill virus-infected children, more organs were involved in the patients who developed AKI. As to influenza A (H1N1) infected critically ill children, the prognosis was comparatively better if the children were classified as AKI stage 1 and received early effective treatment. On the contrary, the prognosis was comparatively worse for those with AKI stage 3. As to EV71 infected critically ill children, the prognosis was worse once AKI developed. As to diagnosis of AKI, the sensitivity of serum creatinine criteria seemed to be superior to the urine output criteria. However, the significance of the serum creatinine and urine output in diagnosis of AKI still needs to be investigated in the future in large scale clinical studies.

Acute renal failure associated with the Rift Valley fever: a single center study

Renal impairment is a frequent occurrence among patients with the Rift Valley fever (RVF), and is probably the result of hypovolemia and multiple organ dysfunctions in the majority of cases. This study was conducted to estimate the incidence of renal impairment in patients with RVF as well as to determine the associated mortality. Data of all patients admitted with renal impairment to the Gezira Hospital for Renal Diseases, Sudan, during the epidemic of RVF between September 2007 and January 2008 were analyzed. The total number of patients with RVF was 392 of whom, 194 were admitted to the Medani Teaching Hospital. Renal impairment was detected in 60% of the admitted patients; 90% of them needed dialysis treatment. The mortality rate was 31% in patients with acute renal failure, 25% in those with the hepatorenal syndrome and 31% in patients with primary hepatic involvement and mild renal impairment. The overall mortality was 40%. Our study suggests that RVF remains a major cause of acute renal failure with considerable mortality, although progression to chronic renal failure was not seen. Early renal substitution therapy fosters the best hope for survival.

Unusual onset of varicella zoster reactivation with meningoencephalitis, followed by rhabdomyolysis and renal failure in a young, immunocompetent patient

We present an unusual onset of meningoencephalitis due to VZV reactivation, with increased intrathecal production of IgG VZV antibodies and negative PCR, in a young, immunocompetent adult. Herpes zoster erupted 5 d later. Rare complication of VZV-related rhabdomyolysis occurred, with subsequent ARF, in combination with acyclovir and ceftriaxone. The patient recovered fully and remained healthy.

Varicella-Zoster Infection with Encephalopathy, Pneumonia, and Renal Failure: A Case Report

Primary varicella-zoster (VZ) infection is rare in adults, but the rate of morbidity and mortality is higher than in children. Pneumonia is the most common complication of primary VZ infection in adults. Moreover, varicella pneumonia associated with acute renal failure and acute encephalopathy is very rare. This study reports on a case of disseminated VZ infection successfully treated with acyclovir. The patient was otherwise healthy and denied previous systemic or infectious disease. The initial diagnosis was varicella pneumonia. However, multiple organ involvement subsequently was found in several organs, including the kidney, brain, lung, liver, blood, and skin. The reactivation of VZ infection was strongly suspected. Abnormal renal and liver function and thrombocytopenia also were noted. The patient with chickenpox was treated successfully with acyclovir without complication. In conclusion, multiple organ involvement is a rare complication of VZ infection in adults. In the severe case presented here, adequate intravenous acyclovir administration and close observation of the general condition were essential for successfully treating disseminated VZ infection without complications.

Letter to the Editor: Immune Complex: Does It Have a Role in Pathogenesis of Renal Failure in Dengue Infection?

Dengue infection is a major public health problem. When acute renal failure complicates dengue infection, it is usually associated with severe disease as in dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. The role of immune complex in development of renal failure in dengue infection is still unclear. Here, the author used a computational medicine technology to study the property of the dengue virus-immunoglobulin complex. According to this study, the diameter of derived complex is much smaller, compared with the diameter of glomerulus. Entrapment of the immune complex is believed to occur when a previous glomerular lesion causes narrowing of the glomerulus's diameter. Therefore, the immune complex should not have a significant role in pathogenesis of renal failure in dengue infection.

Unusual presentation of cytomegalovirus infection in patients after organ transplant

OBJECTIVES

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has an enormous impact in solid-organ transplant patients. In immunocompromised patients, CMV is associated with well-known direct effects. We herein describe 3 unusual patterns occurring in the setting of tissue-invasive CMV associated with high viral load.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of our 3 cases, the first patient after kidney transplant presented with cholestasis related to radiological cholangitis; the second patient after heart transplant presented with erythema nodosum with CMV infection as the sole cause; and the third patient after kidney transplant presented with acute renal failure related to mild interstitial nephritis with acute tubular necrosis and tubulitis.

RESULTS

The first patient's cholestasis resolved with antiviral therapy, as did the erythema nodosum and CMV infection of the heart transplant patient. The third patient's acute renal failure resolved by increased steroid dosage, plasma exchanges, and ganciclovir therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

These 3 unusual presentations of tissue invasive CMV had favorable outcomes with antiviral therapy.

Clinical and laboratory features of disseminated histoplasmosis in HIV patients from Brazil

OBJECTIVES

To identify the main clinical and laboratory features of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients and compare them with those of HIV patients with other opportunistic diseases.

METHODS

Retrospective study of HIV patients comparing the clinical and laboratory data of patients with and without DH. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to verify the risk factors related to DH.

RESULTS

In total, 378 HIV patients were included, 164 with DH and 214 with other opportunistic diseases. Acute renal failure, respiratory insufficiency and septic shock were more frequent in DH patients, who also had a higher mortality (32%vs. 14%, P < 0.001). Independent risk factors for DH were: acute renal failure [odds ratio (OR) 5.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.2-8.5; P < 0.001], splenomegaly (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.19-9.9; P < 0.001), respiratory insufficiency (OR 2.7 95% CI 1.5-5.0; P < 0.001), proteinuria (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.3-5.2; P = 0.03), hypotension (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.2-5.0; P = 0.008), hepatomegaly (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2-4.8; P = 0.01), cutaneous lesions (OR, 1.9; 95% CI 1.0-3.3; P = 0.02) and weight loss (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0-3.1; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that DH is a severe opportunistic disease with high mortality rate, which should be promptly recognized in order to provide early specific treatment.

[Clinical features of acute viral hepatitis A complicated with acute renal failure]

BACKGROUND

Most patients with acute viral hepatitis A (AVHA) spontaneously recover, but a few patients experience complications. This study was carried out to examine clinical features of AVHA complicated with acute renal failure (ARF).

METHOD

Medical records of 404 patients with AVHA were reviewed. Clinical features of AVHA patients with ARF (group A) were compared with those of AVHA patients without ARF (group B).

RESULT

ARF complication was present in 11 patients (3%). There were no differences between group A and B in sex ratio and age. Microscopic hematuria (7 cases), proteinuria (7 cases), metabolic acidosis (4 cases), oliguria (4 cases), pulmonary edema (3 cases) and hyperkalemia (2 cases) were found in group A. The prevalence of heavy alcohol drinking (64% vs 3%, p<0.001) and diabetes mellitus (18% vs 1%, p=0.01) was higher in group A than B. The peak value of ALT (median: 4,290 IU/L vs 1,266 IU/L, p=0.006) and total bilirubin (median: 10.8 mg/dL vs 6.0 mg/dL, p=0.001) was higher in group A than B. Duration of admission was longer in group A than B (median: 14 days vs 5 days, p<0.001). Four patients of group A recovered with renal replacement therapy, while 7 patients recovered with conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The AVHA patients with ARF experienced more severe hepatitis than those without ARF, but they had a good prognosis with the proper treatment.

[A case of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)]

In our article we describe clinical and epidemiological analysis of the first case of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)--with serological confirmation--in Poland.

Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure associated with influenza virus type B infection

A patient with rhabdomyolysis-induced acute renal failure due to influenza B virus infection is presented. Influenza B infection caused rhabdomyolysis with efflux of myoglobin from myocytes, causing acute renal failure. In conclusion, influenza virus type B can cause severe rhabdomyolysis leading to acute renal failure.