Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal disease syndrome in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Vojvodina from 2008-2015 and to examine the factors associated with acute renal failure and hemorrhagic syndrome. Material and Methods. Data were extracted from medical records spanning 2008 to 2015, including demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings at hospital admission, as well as the course and outcome of treatment. The study investigated the correlation between disease incidence and climate, focusing on acute renal failure, its risk factors, the incidence of hemorrhagic syndrome, and factors influencing hospital stay duration. Results. The highest incidence for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome was recorded in 2014, with a rate of 0.5 per 100.000 inhabitants. Acute renal failure was observed in 40% of patients, while mild manifestations of hemorrhagic syndrome were noted in 46.7% of cases. Factors contributing to acute renal failure included lumbar pain (p=0.005), creatinine concentrations (p=0.011), and Simplified Acute Physiology score (p=0.013). The average length of hospitalization was 10 days (range 7-13 days) and was correlated with increased leukocytosis (p=0.028; ?=0.566), higher C-reactive protein values (p=0.014; ?=0.686), lower serum sodium levels (p=0.009; ?=0.772), higher serum creatinine concentrations (p=0.002; ?=0.742), the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (p=0.013; ?=0.612) and the Simplified Acute Physiology score (p=0.023; ?=0.582). Conclusion. Climatic factors are associated with the incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The overall outcome of the disease was favorable.