Surgical experience at the Canadian-led Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to document the surgical experience of the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit (R3MMU) at Kandahar Airfield Base while Canada was the lead nation for the facility. This study will help inform on future staffing, training, and deployment issues of field hospitals on military missions.

Methods: From February 2, 2006, to October 15, 2009, the Canadian Forces Health Services served as the lead nation for the R3MMU.

Drotrecogin alpha (activated) in two patients with the hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome.

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) is associated with rapid cardiopulmonary collapse from endothelial injury, resulting in massive capillary leak, shock and severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. To date, treatment remains supportive and includes mechanical ventilation, vasopressors and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with mortality approaching 50%. Two HCPS survivors initially given drotrecogin alpha (activated) (DAA) for presumed bacterial septic shock are described.