Rare Virus Threatens Life: Urgent Call for Medical Insights

Rare virus can be life-threatening within a day?

My sibling is only in their early 30s and has developed a rare illness.
The hospital has issued a critical condition notice and a consent form has been signed.
Kind-hearted individuals are hoping to help save her, and I sincerely ask for your support! Here are the symptoms: She was generally healthy with no prior illnesses, but a few days ago she suddenly felt unwell with leg pain and was unable to walk.
After being admitted to the hospital, she experienced severe pain at night, but improved two days later and was discharged.
The following day, she felt unwell again and was readmitted.
That night, she experienced severe pain again, and her condition became critical.
She is now experiencing full-body edema, undergoing dialysis, has inflammation, is unconscious, is on full life support, cannot urinate, sometimes has her eyes wide open, and has leg cramps, but is unresponsive.
She has been to hospitals including Taipei Medical University, National Taiwan University, and Tri-Service General Hospital, and while they know there is an infection, they cannot identify the source or the virus.
She is currently in the intensive care unit, and her life is hanging by a thread.
I kindly ask for any advice from experts.
Thank you! If you have valuable suggestions, please call 0960720294 or email: [email protected], attention Mr.
Hsu.
If anyone can help forward this message to spread the word, I would be very grateful!

Xiao Jie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/07/02

Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine

Dear Mr.
Hsiao-Chieh,
First of all, I hope your siblings are feeling better now.
Based on your description of the condition, it is indeed challenging to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.
The foot pain may be a manifestation of muscle inflammation or injury.
If there are signs similar to rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of a large amount of muscle protein can lead to acute renal failure.
This is also why symptoms such as edema, inability to urinate, and electrolyte imbalances (cramping) may occur.
Viral infections are a possible cause, and currently, there are no specific antibiotics for most viral infections; supportive treatment is primarily used to minimize damage while the body gradually recovers.
Dialysis and the use of ventilators are methods of supportive care.
I apologize for not being able to provide you with more concrete advice, but I hope you can communicate well with your physician regarding the condition.
If there are any unclear explanations from the doctor, please feel free to ask further questions.
Thank you.
Department of Family Medicine, Taoyuan Hospital
Dr.
Tsai Meng-Ju

Reply Date: 2007/07/02

More Info

I'm truly sorry to hear about your sibling's condition. It sounds incredibly distressing, and I can only imagine the emotional toll this situation is taking on you and your family. While I cannot provide specific medical advice or a diagnosis, I can offer some general insights into what might be happening and what steps can be taken.

From your description, it seems that your sibling is experiencing a severe and acute illness that has led to significant complications, including kidney failure, fluid retention, and altered consciousness. The sudden onset of symptoms, such as severe pain, swelling, and the need for dialysis, suggests that there may be an underlying systemic issue, possibly an infection or an autoimmune response, that has not yet been identified.

In cases where the source of infection is unclear, healthcare providers often conduct a series of tests to rule out various possibilities. These tests may include blood cultures, imaging studies (like CT scans or MRIs), and specific viral panels to identify any rare or unusual pathogens. It's important to note that some infections, particularly those caused by rare viruses or emerging pathogens, may not be easily detectable with standard tests. This can lead to a frustrating situation where the medical team is aware of the severity of the illness but struggles to pinpoint the exact cause.

Given that your sibling is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU) and on mechanical ventilation, the medical team is likely taking every possible measure to stabilize their condition. This may include administering broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover a wide range of potential bacterial infections, as well as supportive care to manage symptoms and maintain organ function.

In terms of the urgency of the situation, the fact that a "do not resuscitate" (DNR) order has been discussed indicates that the medical team is preparing for the possibility of a critical outcome. This is often a difficult conversation for families, as it involves weighing the potential benefits of aggressive treatment against the likelihood of recovery. It's essential to have open and honest discussions with the healthcare providers about the prognosis, treatment options, and what to expect moving forward.

If your family is seeking alternative opinions or additional insights, it may be beneficial to consult with specialists in infectious diseases or critical care medicine. They may have experience with rare viral infections and could provide a different perspective on the case.

In the meantime, it’s crucial to take care of your own emotional well-being during this challenging time. Supporting one another as a family, seeking counseling if needed, and staying informed about your sibling's condition can help you navigate this difficult journey.

Lastly, while I understand the urgency of your plea for help, please remember that medical professionals are best equipped to provide the necessary care and treatment. Your sibling is in the hands of trained specialists who are doing their utmost to provide the best possible care.

I sincerely hope for a positive outcome for your sibling and that they receive the care they need to recover. Please take care of yourself and your family during this trying time.

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