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Neuropsychological impairments following hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 April 2001

Ramona O. Hopkins ,
Valerie Larson-Lohr ,
Lindell K. Weaver  and
and Erin D. Bigler
Ramona O. Hopkins
Affiliation:
Department of Critical Care Medicine, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Valerie Larson-Lohr
Affiliation:
Department of Critical Care Medicine, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Lindell K. Weaver
Affiliation:
Department of Critical Care Medicine, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
and Erin D. Bigler
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Abstract

Recently an outbreak of acute respiratory infection associated with the hantavirus occurred in the southwestern United States. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a life threatening illness that carries with it a high mortality rate. Patients with HPS experience prolonged periods of hypoxemia requiring mechanical ventilation and treatment in intensive care units. We have recently seen 2 survivors of HPS. A neuropsychological test battery was administered immediately following their acute hospitalization and at 1 year postrecovery from HPS. Both patients exhibited cognitive impairments immediately following HPS as well as persistent cognitive impairments at 1 year. The cognitive impairments seen in these two HPS survivors are similar to those seen in other patients who have experienced brain anoxia, including memory impairments. It is also possible that hantavirus may directly cause brain injury with concomitant cognitive impairments. Additional research needs to be carried out in order to determine the extent and severity of the cognitive impairments in survivors of HPS. (JINS, 1998, 4, 190–196.)

Keywords

HantavirusOutcomeNeuropsychological impairments
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 4 , Issue 2 , March 1998 , pp. 190 - 196
Copyright
© 1998 The International Neuropsychological Society

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Footnotes

Reprint requests to: Ramona O. Hopkins, Department of Critical Care Medicine, LDS Hospital, 8th Avenue and C Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84143, USA. E-mail: [email protected].