About 3 days before being hospitalized, Mr. H.M.P. (45 years old, Hanoi) fell from a scaffolding, swelling in the left ankle, severe pain, limited movement. After being examined, he was diagnosed with edema, soft-itioned hemorrhage, no broken bones and was given painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs ( corticosteroids are unknown). After taking the medicine, the pain decreased but the patient began to have a fever, muscle pain, phlegm, and difficulty breathing. On November 1, he was admitted to a lung specialist's hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia caused by influenza A with respiratory failure.
The disease progressed rapidly, and the patient had to be put on an intubator to use a ventilator. Despite the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the lungs were still severely damaged, kidney function was impaired, and fever persisted. After 11 days of unimproved treatment, the culture results determined Aspergillus fungal infection, the patient was transferred to the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
According to MSc. Dr. Hong Ky, Intensive Care Center, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, when admitted to the hospital, the patient was in critical condition: Anesthesia, muscle relaxation, mechanical ventilation, requiring vasopressors, the whole body was swollen, the abdomen was bloated, the back was ulcerated and ulcers were at point 3. bronchial examination discovered that the giahua was firmly attached to the lobes of the left lung, prone to bleeding. The patient was diagnosed with Aspergillus fungi infection affecting the lungs on the basis of severe influenza A pneumonia, with respiratory failure, acute renal failure, heart failure, and blood clotting.
The patient was continuously filtered for blood and treated with specific antifungal. However, due to kidney failure and cardiovascular disease, treatment is difficult. After a day, lung function improved, but on the 7th day, the patient had a high fever due to a buildup of bacteria, and had to increase the dose of vasopressor.
After 10 days of intensive resuscitation, the patient gradually escaped shock, kidney function recovered, and was alert. However, he still had to continue antifungal treatment for at least 6 weeks.
According to MSc. Dr. Pham Van Phuc - Deputy Director of the Intensive Care Center, the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases of the flu can weaken the respiratory barrier, creating conditions for bacteria and especially Aspergillus fungus to invade, causing dangerous complications, increasing mortality. Warning signs include prolonged fever, increased shortness of breath, and worsening lung image despite taking antibiotics.
Doctors recommend that people with the flu should go to a medical facility early if they do not improve after 35 days, have prolonged fever, or have increased shortness of breath. People with underlying diseases and immunodeficiency must be more vigilant, get vaccinated against influenza every year and do not take medication, especially corticosteroids, without permission.
