Five cases report of Ebola virus disease

Abstract

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of Ebola virus disease so as to provide early clinical recognition and treatment for this disease. Methods The clinical manifestations and treatment of 5 cases of Ebola virus disease in Ebola Holding Center of Sierra-Leone China Friendship Hospital from 15 March 2015 to 15 May 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. And the clinical characteristics and possible effective treatment were discussed combined with related literature. Results Five patients were diagnosed with Ebola virus disease by polymerase chain reaction and 4 cases of 5 patients had confirmed contact history, while 1 case had no clear contact history.All the 5 cases presented with low fever, headache and joint pain. Three cases then progressed into severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and hypovolemic shock. The patients presented with fast heart rate and shortness of breath and other inflammatory response syndrome in acute phase. One patient rapidly progressed to liver pain, jaundice and anuria, then died. Three severe cases recovered after treated with fluid resuscitation, circulation maintenance and electrolyte balance in acute phase. Conclusions The early symptoms of Ebola virus disease are low fever, joint pain and nausea.Frequent vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure and electrolyte disorder indicate severe conditions. Shock and electrolyte disorder are deadly complications. Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment are the key to improve the prognosis. Key words: Ebolavirus; Hemorrhagic fever, Ebola; Shock; Water-electrolyte imbalance; Fluid therapy