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VOLUME 9 , ISSUE 3 ( July, 2005 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Methylprednisolone as adjuvant in treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome owing to leptospirosis-a pilot study

Abraham Ittyachen, V.K. Lakshmanakumar, C.K. Eapen, M.R. Joseph

Keywords : ARDS, Leptospirosis, Methylprednisolone, Noninvasive ventilation

Citation Information : Ittyachen A, Lakshmanakumar V, Eapen C, Joseph M. Methylprednisolone as adjuvant in treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome owing to leptospirosis-a pilot study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2005; 9 (3):133-136.

DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.19677

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-01-2010

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2005; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) owing to leptospirosis is associated with a high mortality. This is in spite of mechanical ventilation in a critical care setting. ARDS by its very nature, associated with economic constraints in our patients has made treating these patients a challenge. Objective: To study if combination of methylprednisolone and noninvasive ventilation is life-saving in ARDS owing to leptospirosis. Design: Interventional pilot study. Setting: Medical intensive care unit of a rural medical college hospital. Participants: Eight patients diagnosed to have ARDS owing to leptospirosis. Main outcome indicator: Survival. Results: Seven out of eight patients who were treated with methylprednisolone and noninvasive ventilation recovered fully to resume normal life. Conclusion: Methylprednisolone with noninvasive ventilation is life-saving in ARDS owing to leptospirosis.


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