Systemic capillary leak syndrome induced by influenza type A infection

Abstract

A 42-year-old man visited the emergency department complaining of lower extremity swelling and myalgia. His influenza A antigen test was positive, and he was admitted for supportive care of severe myalgia. On the first hospital day, the swelling in his lower legs was aggravated with intolerable pain, and his creatine phosphokinase and hemoglobin levels were elevated. He was treated with massive hydration, albumin replacement, continuous venovenous hemofiltration, phlebotomy, and oseltamivir. The swelling and pain in his extremities were decreased without renal dysfunction, even though peripheral neuropathy and muscular complication persisted. Systemic capillary leak syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition. The diagnosis is made clinically based on a classic triad of hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, and hemoconcentration. In our case, the influenza A infection was related to the capillary leakage.

Fluid balance concepts in medicine: Principles and practice

“…The importance of an effective capillary endothelial barrier to albumin transfer from the intravascular into the interstitial compartment is exemplified by patients who lose this barrier. Such patients require infusion of enormous volumes of albumin-containing fluid to maintain their intravascular volume[ 214 ].…”