Clinical Manifestations and Modes of Death among Patients with Ebola Virus Disease, Monrovia, Liberia, 2014

• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0090
• Publication Date: 2018-02-06T07:00:43Z
• Authors: Linda M. Mobula; Nathalie MacDermott; Clive Hoggart; Kent Brantly; William Plyler; Jerry Brown; Bev Kauffeldt; Deborah Eisenhut; Lisa A. Cooper; John Fankhauser
• Keywords: Case fatality rate; Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

Although the high case fatality rate (CFR) associated with Ebola virus disease (EVD) is well documented, there are limited data on actual modes of death. We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study among patients laboratory-confirmed EVD. The were all seen at Eternal Love Winning Africa Treatment Unit in Monrovia, Liberia, from June to August 2014. Our primary objective was describe death our and determine predictors mortality. Data available for 53 EVD, median age 35 years. most frequent presenting symptoms weakness (91%), fever (81%), diarrhea (78%). Visible hemorrhage noted 25% cases. CFR 79%. Odds higher (odds ratio = 26.1, P < 0.01). All hemorrhagic signs died (P Among 18 fatal cases which clinical information available, three distinct observed: sudden after moderate process (44%), profuse (33%), encephalopathy (22%). found that these varied by 0.04), maximum temperature 0.43), heart admission time symptom onset 0.13), duration hospitalization 0.04). further required, findings provide foundation developing treatment strategies factor specific phenotypes (which often require use aggressive hydration). These insights into underlying pathogenic mechanisms resulting severe EVD suggest direction future research development effective options.