Study revealed that adaptation reduced disease deaths by up to 84%; It is recommended that people in risk areas or plan to travel to places with confirmed cases to seek vaccination
An innovative study by researchers from the University of São Paulo Hospital das Clínicas brought to light a promising discovery: adaptation of treatments originally intended to significantly reduce mortality by. During the outbreak of illness between 2018 and 2019, the researchers analyzed 66 patients and found that the survival rate increased to 84% using blood plasma transfusions. This innovative method helps the body to strengthen as the liver, overloaded by the infection, recovers. Initially, the mortality rate was 85% with standard treatment, but fell to 82% with the introduction of plasma exchange and plummeted to 14% with intensifying the procedure and transfusion support.
The doctors involved in the study explain that the liver play a crucial role in filtering toxic blood substances. When the liver is compromised, these toxins can lead the patient to death. Adapted treatment helped keep patients alive until liver regeneration occurs, reducing viral load and avoiding the need for liver transplantation. However, the current increase in yellow fever cases in São Paulo compromises the effectiveness of treatment, as many patients do not arrive in time to hospitals prepared for this type of care. In addition, ignorance of symptoms and delay in diagnosis has been determining factors for increasing the mortality rate.
Yellow fever is a serious disease, but can be prevented by vaccination. Of the 12 deaths recorded this year, 11 were from unvaccinated people, which emphasizes the importance of immunization. Health authorities reinforce the need for vaccination and monitoring of dead monkeys, which serve as an early warning for virus circulation. It is recommended that people in risk areas or plan to travel to places with confirmed cases seek vaccination as the best form of protection.
Posted by Luisa Cardoso
