Corticosteroids Do Not Improve Outcome Among Patients with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in Chile

In a randomized, placebo-controlled study, intravenous methylprednisolone did not alter the risk for death in patients with presumed or confirmed hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a lung infection caused by hantaviruses found in the Americas. In Chile, where the cause is the Andes virus, the case fatality rate is 35%. Although no specific antiviral therapy is available, a retrospective study has suggested that high-dose methylprednisolone might reduce the rates of shock and mortality.

To examine this possibility further, investigators conducted a randomized trial involving 13 hospitals in Chile. Sixty-six patients aged ≥2 years with suspected HPS (including 60 with confirmed Andes virus infection) received up to 1000 mg of intravenous methylprednisolone or placebo for 3 days. Mortality was 27% in those receiving methylprednisolone compared with 40% in those receiving placebo (P=0…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Corticosteroids Do Not Improve Outcome Among Patients with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in Chile

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Reviewing Author