Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of pulmonary infection among children and has been increasingly recognized as an important respiratory pathogen in older adults and immunocompromised hosts. Among older adults, RSV can lead to exacerbations of underlying lung and cardiac disease. It is also associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and may be associated with acute rejection and chronic lung allograft dysfunction among lung transplant recipients (LTRs). Current treatment options for severe RSV disease are limited, and there is a paucity of guidance on RSV treatment among older adults. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of RSV disease in older adults, HSCT recipients, and SOT recipients. Nosocomial spread has been reported, thus highlighting the importance of infection prevention and control measures to prevent outbreaks. Antivirals, monoclonal antibodies for immunoprophylaxis, and vaccine development are underway; however, future research is still needed in these critical areas.
A 63-year-old woman with a history of long-standing depression, maintained on escitalopram, presented with altered mental status. Patient had recently been prescribed dextromethorphan-promethazine cough syrup 2 weeks prior for an upper respiratory tract infection. On admission, she was lethargic and obtunded and found to have inducible myoclonus on examination. The rest of her physical exam was unremarkable. Pertinent lab and imaging findings showed QTc prolongation on ECG, negative electroencephalogram and CT head findings, essentially normal blood tests and a negative toxicology screen. The patient was admitted to the step down unit for close observation; both escitalopram and the cough syrup were suspended and was supportively managed. Overnight the patient's mental status improved and the serial EcGs showed resolution of the prolonged QTc. Patient was discharged home without further complication.
Anaplasmosis cases have increased steadily and are appearing in states where it is less common. While symptoms are usually mild, in rare cases, it can cause hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Here, we present a case of polymerase chain reaction confirmed Anaplasma phagocytophilum with morulae on peripheral blood smear associated with biopsy-proven hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
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