| Characteristics |
No. (%) |
| Age – median (range) years |
46 (17-71) |
| Males |
29 (72) |
| Females |
11 (28) |
| Relevant co-morbidities* |
| IV drug use |
15 (36) |
| End stage renal disease with ongoing dialysis |
10 (24) |
| Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis C) |
8 (19) |
| Diabetes mellitus |
7 (17) |
| Alcoholism and non IV drug use |
4 (10) |
| Polytrauma |
3 (7) |
| Congestive heart failure |
2 (5) |
| Neurological disorders (seizures, stroke, dementia) |
2 (5) |
| Immunosuppressive states |
| Post solid organ transplant |
2 (5) |
| HIV/AIDS |
1 (2) |
| Postpartum |
1 (2) |
| None |
1 (2) |
| Presenting signs/symptoms* |
| Febrile illness |
35 (85) |
| Respiratory |
| Chest pain |
9 (22) |
| Cough |
8 (19) |
| Dyspnea |
6 (15) |
| Hemoptysis |
4 (10) |
| Hypotension/shock |
8 (19) |
| Neurological (altered mentation, seizure, syncope) |
6 (15) |
| Musculoskeletal pain |
8 (19) |
| Sore throat |
2 (5) |
# 40 patients with 41 episodes of SPE (1 patient had 2 separate SPE episodes).
* Not absolute percentages as multiple patients had more than one co-morbidities and
symptoms.