Lassa Fever Case Report in a Pregnant Woman from Sierra Leone
Author Information
Author(s): Branco Luis M, Boisen Matt L, Andersen Kristian G, Grove Jessica N, Moses Lina M, Muncy Ivana J, Henderson Lee A, Schieffellin John S, Robinson James E, Bangura James J, Grant Donald S, Raabe Vanessa N, Fonnie Mbalu, Sabeti Pardis C, Garry Robert F
Primary Institution: Tulane University
Hypothesis
Can rapid diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes for pregnant women with Lassa fever?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment can lead to positive maternal outcomes in severe cases of Lassa fever during late pregnancy.
Supporting Evidence
- Rapid diagnosis of Lassa fever was achieved within 20 minutes.
- The patient received timely treatment with intravenous ribavirin.
- Despite severe symptoms, the patient had a positive maternal outcome.
- Significant genetic divergence of the isolated Lassa virus strain was observed.
- Improvements in diagnostic capabilities were noted at the Kenema Government Hospital.
Takeaway
This study shows that a pregnant woman with a serious illness called Lassa fever can get better if doctors find out what's wrong quickly and give her the right medicine.
Methodology
The study involved rapid diagnostic tests and real-time monitoring of a pregnant woman diagnosed with Lassa fever, including treatment with ribavirin.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of a control group and reliance on a single patient's data.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 22-year-old pregnant woman in her third trimester.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website