An investigation of pulmonary findings of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever patients.

AIM: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) generally affects many organs. In this study a retrospective evaluation of the pulmonary findings of CCHF patients was made.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The records of patients were retrospectively analysed. For each patient an evaluation was made of age, sex, occupation, place of residence, contact with ticks, smoking history, and pulmonary radiological and laboratory findings. A confirmed diagnosis of CCHF was made on determination by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Of the 128 patients, 48.4% were female. Symptoms of coughing were determined in 18% of patients, sputum in 4.7%, chest pain in 3.9%, dyspnoea in 3.1%, and haemoptysis in 0.8%. The mortality rate was 7%. In terms of sex, place of residence, contact with ticks, smoking, findings of the respiratory system, and physical examination findings, no statistically significant difference was seen between the survivor and nonsurvivor groups (P > 0.05). The white blood cell count values of the survivors were determined to be significantly lower compared to those of the nonsurvivors and the alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, and C-reactive protein values of the nonsurvivors were significantly higher compared to those of the survivors (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CCHF can be fatal for the respiratory system. An early diagnosis of CCHF and referral to a specialised centre is therefore important.