Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Ribavirin Treated RT-PCR Confirmed Lassa Fever Patients in ISTH Irrua: A Pilot Study
Asogun AD., Ochei O., Moody V., Abejegah C., Okoh E.
<p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong><em> Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is endo-epidemic in Edo state, with case fatality of 90-100% if not treated. It has been claimed that early treatment with Ribavirin reduces mortality to less than 20%. This study was carried out to assert/confirm or refute/reject this claim.</em></p><p><strong><em>Aim:</em></strong><em> To review the clinical features, laboratory findings of Lassa fever and the outcome of confirmed cases treated with Ribavirin.</em></p><p><strong><em>Methodology:</em></strong><em> The study was a case series study of the first 41 cases that were treated with Ribavirin in the Lassa fever isolation ward from 28<sup>th</sup> November 2010 to 26<sup>th</sup> May 2011.</em></p><p><strong><em>Results:</em></strong><em> Up to 63.4% of cases presented late (onset of illness greater than 6 days at presentation). Fever remains the predominant presenting feature of the disease (97.5%). Of the cases that were admitted, 41 were treated, 31 recovered and 9 died, giving a case-fatality rate of 22%. One discharged against medical advice. </em></p><p><strong><em>Conclusion: </em></strong><em>Lassa fever victims still present late at the hospital and fever remains the predominant presenting feature.<strong> </strong>Early Ribavirin treatment improves treatment outcome of Lassa fever in confirmed cases.</em></p><p><strong><em>Recommendations: </em></strong><em>The Federal, States and Local government area council members must make efforts to<strong> c</strong>reate public awareness on early presentation, diagnosis and prompt treatment with Ribavirin.</em></p>