Overview
Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever (VHF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Guanarito virus, endemic to certain regions of Venezuela, characterized by fever, hemorrhagic manifestations, and multi-organ dysfunction 1.Diagnosis
Clinical presentation includes fever, hemorrhagic symptoms, and signs of organ involvement 1.
Laboratory confirmation often involves detecting Guanarito virus-specific IgM antibodies or viral RNA in blood samples 1.
Imaging may show nonspecific findings but can help assess organ involvement 1.Management
Supportive care is critical, including fluid and electrolyte management, blood product transfusions as needed 1.
Ribavirin has been used in some cases, though evidence is limited and primarily based on expert recommendations 1.
Management in specialized centers with experience in viral hemorrhagic fevers is advised 1.Special Populations
No specific details provided regarding pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities in managing Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever 12.Key Recommendations
Initiate supportive care including fluid resuscitation and monitoring for multi-organ failure (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
Consider ribavirin therapy under expert supervision, given limited evidence (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
Transfer patients to specialized centers equipped to handle viral hemorrhagic fevers for optimal care (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.References
1 Goihman-Yahr M, Colmenares-Arreaza G, Angulo E, Rodríguez A. Tulio Briceño-Maaz, MD, and his time: the story of Venezuela. Clinics in dermatology 2021. link
2 Goihman-Yahr M. The sitting statue of Vargas. Clinics in dermatology 2011. link