Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in northern Alberta, Canada: Clinical and laboratory findings for 19 cases

We reviewed the clinical and laboratory findings for 19 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (IBS) identified either serologically or by immunohisto chemical testing of archival tissue at our tertiary care center, Fever (95% ), cough (89%), and dyspnea (89%) were the most common presenting symptoms, The most prevalent presenting signs were respiratory abnormalities (95%) a nd tachycardia (84%). Common laboratory findings included thrombocytopenia (95%) and leukocytosis (79%), Elevated aspartate aminotransferase and lacta te dehydrogenase levels were found in all patients tested, Intubation was r equired in 58% of the patients, and inotropic support was required in 53%. Our study confirms that serological responses appear early during clinical illness, making the enzyme immunoassay a useful tool for the diagnosis of a cute HPS, The mortality (26%) and severity of disease that we observed amon g patients with HPS appear to be less than those reported elsewhere.