Early Oseltamivir After Hospital Admission Is Associated With Shortened Hospitalization: A 5-Year Analysis of Oseltamivir Timing and Clinical Outcomes

Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2024-2025: Technical Report

This technical report accompanies the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics for the routine use of influenza vaccine and antiviral medications in the prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2024 to 2025 season. The rationale for the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation for annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age is provided. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community against influenza. This technical report summarizes recent influenza seasons, morbidity and mortality in children, vaccine effectiveness, and vaccination coverage and provides detailed guidance on vaccine storage, administration, and implementation. The report also provides a brief background on inactivated (nonlive) and live attenuated influenza vaccines, available vaccines for the 2024-2025 influenza season, vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding, diagnostic testing for influenza, and antiviral medications for treatment and chemoprophylaxis. Strategies to promote vaccine uptake are emphasized.

Considerations when treating influenza infections with oseltamivir

INTRODUCTION

Since the coronavirus disease 2019-mandated social distancing policy has been lifted worldwide, the circulation of influenza is expected to resume. Currently, oseltamivir is approved as the first-line agent for influenza prevention and treatment.

AREAS COVERED

This paper reviews the updated evidence in the pharmacology, resistance mechanisms, clinical pharmacy management, and real-world data on oseltamivir for influenza.

EXPERT OPINION

Oseltamivir is an oral prodrug of oseltamivir carboxylate, an influenza A and B neuraminidase inhibitor. Recently, the therapeutic efficacy of oseltamivir has been demonstrated in several trials. Oseltamivir is generally well-tolerated but may lead to neuropsychiatric events and bleeding. Oseltamivir-resistant influenza virus has been associated with the H275Y mutation in the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, while most strains are still sensitive to oseltamivir. Dose adjustment for oseltamivir should be based on creatinine clearance and body weight in pediatric patients with renal failure. According to real-world data from Nanfang Hospital, the annual number of patients prescribed oseltamivir declined from 35,711 in 2019 to 8,971 in 2020, with marked increases in 2022 (20,213) and 2023 (18,071). Among the 206 inpatients, children aged < 6 years who were treated with oseltamivir had the shortest duration to defervescence.

Treating influenza with neuraminidase inhibitors: an update of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Influenza affects individuals of all ages and poses a significant threat during pandemics, epidemics, and sporadic outbreaks. Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are currently the first choice in the treatment and prevention of influenza, but their use can be hindered by viral resistance.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes current NAIs pharmacological profiles, their current place in therapy, and the mechanisms of viral resistance and outlines possible new indications, ways of administration, and novel candidate NAIs compounds.

EXPERT OPINION

NAIs represent a versatile group of compounds with diverse administration methods and pharmacokinetics. While the prevalence of influenza virus resistance to NAIs remains low, there is heightened vigilance due to the pandemic potential of influenza. Several novel NAIs and derivatives are currently under assessment at various stages of development for the treatment and prevention of influenza.

Wastewater-based surveillance as a tool for public health action: SARS-CoV-2 and beyond

Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) has undergone dramatic advancement in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The power and potential of this platform technology were rapidly realized when it became evident that not only did WBS-measured SARS-CoV-2 RNA correlate strongly with COVID-19 clinical disease within monitored populations but also, in fact, it functioned as a leading indicator. Teams from across the globe rapidly innovated novel approaches by which wastewater could be collected from diverse sewersheds ranging from wastewater treatment plants (enabling community-level surveillance) to more granular locations including individual neighborhoods and high-risk buildings such as long-term care facilities (LTCF). Efficient processes enabled SARS-CoV-2 RNA extraction and concentration from the highly dilute wastewater matrix. Molecular and genomic tools to identify, quantify, and characterize SARS-CoV-2 and its various variants were adapted from clinical programs and applied to these mixed environmental systems. Novel data-sharing tools allowed this information to be mobilized and made immediately available to public health and government decision-makers and even the public, enabling evidence-informed decision-making based on local disease dynamics. WBS has since been recognized as a tool of transformative potential, providing near-real-time cost-effective, objective, comprehensive, and inclusive data on the changing prevalence of measured analytes across space and time in populations. However, as a consequence of rapid innovation from hundreds of teams simultaneously, tremendous heterogeneity currently exists in the SARS-CoV-2 WBS literature. This manuscript provides a state-of-the-art review of WBS as established with SARS-CoV-2 and details the current work underway expanding its scope to other infectious disease targets.

Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccination and Early Antiviral Treatment in Reducing Pneumonia Risk in Severe Influenza Cases

INTRODUCTION

Influenza vaccination may be effective in preventing influenza infection and may reduce the risk of influenza-associated pneumonia. The study aim was to evaluate the effect of influenza vaccination in preventing pneumonia when it failed to prevent influenza hospitalization.

METHODS

This was a case-control study comparing hospitalized cases of influenza with and without pneumonia in patients aged ≥18 years in 16 hospitals in Catalonia over 10 influenza seasons (2010-11 to 2019-20). Data on sociodemographic, virological characteristics, comorbidities, vaccination history, and antiviral treatment were collected and analysed. The crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR (aOR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) values were calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 5080 patients hospitalized for severe influenza were included, 63.5% (3224/5080) of whom had pneumonia-mostly men (56.8%; 1830/3224) and mostly in the ≥75 age group (39.3%; 1267/3224)-and of whom 14.0% died (451/3224). Virus A and virus B accounted for 78.1% (2518/3224) and 21.9% (705/3224) of influenza types, respectively. Starting antiviral treatment ≤48 h after symptom onset (aOR = 0.69; 95%CI: 0.53-0.90) and a history of seasonal influenza vaccination (aOR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.72-0.98) were protective factors in developing pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to seasonal influenza vaccination and starting antiviral treatment within 48 h of symptom onset can reduce pneumonia risk in severe influenza cases.

Community-acquired pneumonia in children: updated perspectives on its etiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Pneumonia is a common pediatric infectious disease that is familiar to pediatricians and a major cause of hospitalization worldwide. Recent well-designed epidemiologic studies in developed countries indicated that respiratory viruses are detected in 30%-70%, atypical bacteria in 7%-17%, and pyogenic bacteria in 2%-8% of children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The etiological distribution of CAP varies widely by child age and the epidemiological season of the respiratory pathogen. Moreover, diagnostic tests, particularly for the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the 2 major bacterial pathogens involved in pediatric CAP, have several limitations. Therefore, management and empirical antimicrobial therapy for children with CAP should be applied in a stepwise manner based on recent epidemiological, etiological, and microbiological evidence.

Influenza in Children and Adolescents: Epidemiology, Management, and Prevention

EDUCATION GAP

Influenza is among the most common infectious causes of pediatric emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Clinicians should use evidence-based guidelines to learn how to identify, manage, prevent, and treat influenza cases. Disease caused by influenza virus can be mitigated with appropriate treatment and prevention efforts.

OBJECTIVES After completing this article, readers should be able to:

1. Describe the virology and epidemiology of influenza.

2. List the clinical features and complications of influenza infections.

3. List the benefits and limitations of testing modalities for the diagnosis of influenza.

4. Appropriately apply American Academy of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) treatment guidelines for influenza or suspected influenza.

5. Describe the importance of influenza vaccination.

Developing and validating clinical features-based machine learning algorithms to predict influenza infection in influenza-like illness patients

BACKGROUND

Seasonal influenza poses a significant risk, and patients can benefit from early diagnosis and treatment. However, underdiagnosis and undertreatment remain widespread. We developed and compared clinical feature-based machine learning (ML) algorithms that can accurately predict influenza infection in emergency departments (EDs) among patients with influenza-like illness (ILI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study in five EDs in the US and Taiwan from 2015 to 2020. Adult patients visiting the EDs with symptoms of ILI were recruited and tested by real-time RT-PCR for influenza. We evaluated seven ML algorithms and compared their results with previously developed clinical prediction models.

RESULTS

Out of the 2189 enrolled patients, 1104 tested positive for influenza. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting achieved superior performance with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79-0.85), with a sensitivity of 0.92 (95% CI = 0.88-0.95), specificity of 0.89 (95% CI = 0.86-0.92), and accuracy of 0.72 (95% CI = 0.69-0.76) in the testing set over cut-offs of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.5, respectively. These results were superior to those of previously proposed clinical prediction models. The model interpretation revealed that body temperature, cough, rhinorrhea, and exposure history were positively associated with and the days of illness and influenza vaccine were negatively associated with influenza infection. We also found the week of the influenza season, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation to be associated with influenza infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical feature-based ML model outperformed conventional models for predicting influenza infection.

Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2023-2024

This technical report accompanies the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics for the routine use of influenza vaccine and antiviral medications in the prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2023-2024 season. The rationale for the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation for annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age is provided. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community against influenza. This technical report summarizes recent influenza seasons, morbidity and mortality in children, vaccine effectiveness, and vaccination coverage, and provides detailed guidance on vaccine storage, administration, and implementation. The report also provides a brief background on inactivated and live-attenuated influenza vaccines, available vaccines this season, vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding, diagnostic testing for influenza, and antiviral medications for treatment and chemoprophylaxis. Strategies to promote vaccine uptake are emphasized.

Factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with severe acute respiratory infections in Bahrain

Background

Severe acute respiratory tract infection (SARI) is a major global health threat. This study aimed to examine risk factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with SARI.

Methods

All patients who met World Health Organization's (WHO) SARI case definition and were admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex from January 2018 to December 2021 were included. Epidemiological and virological data were obtained and analyzed.

Results

Of 1159 patients with SARI included, 731 (63.1%) patients were below 50 years, and 357 (30.8%) tested positive for viral pathogens. The most prevalent virus was Flu-A (n = 134, 37.5%), SARS-CoV2 (n = 118, 33%), RSV (n = 51, 14.3%), Flu B (n = 49,13.7%), other viruses (n = 3, 0.8%), and combined infection (n = 2, 0.6%). Six hundred fifty-eight (56.8%) patients had comorbidities, mainly diabetes (n = 284, 43%) and heart disease (n = 217, 33%). 183 (16%) patients were admitted to ICU, 110 (9%) needed mechanical ventilation, and 80 (7%) patients died.The odds of ICU admission were higher for patients with hematological (OR 5.9, 95% CI 3.1-11.1) and lung diseases (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6-4.6). The odds of mechanical ventilation were higher among patients with lung disease (OR 3.1, 95% 1.7-5.5). The mortality odds were higher among patients above 50 (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.1) and chronic kidney disease (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.2).

Conclusions

Being 50 years or above or having kidney, lung, or heart diseases was associated with worse SARI outcomes. Efforts and actions in developing better strategies to vaccinate individuals at high risk and early diagnosis and treatment should help in reducing the burden of SARI.

Rapid Multiplex PCR for Respiratory Viruses Reduces Time to Result and Improves Clinical Care: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The clinical impact of rapid sample-to-answer 'syndromic' multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for respiratory viruses is not clearly established. We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate this impact for patients with possible acute respiratory tract infection in the hospital setting.

METHODS

We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases from 2012 to present and conference proceedings from 2021 for studies comparing clinical impact outcomes between multiplex PCR testing and standard testing.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies with 17,321 patient encounters were included in this review. Rapid multiplex PCR testing was associated with a reduction of -24.22hours (95% CI -28.70 to -19.74hours) in the time to results. Hospital length of stay was decreased by -0.82 days (95% CI -1.52 to -0.11 days). Among influenza positive patients, antivirals were more likely to be given (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.48) and appropriate infection control facility use was more common with rapid multiplex PCR testing (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates a reduction in time to results and length of stay for patients overall along with improvements in appropriate antiviral and infection control management among influenza positive patients. This evidence supports the routine use of rapid sample-to-answer multiplex PCR testing for respiratory viruses in the hospital setting.

Effect of neuraminidase inhibitor (oseltamivir) treatment on outcome of hospitalised influenza patients, surveillance data from 11 EU countries, 2010 to 2020

BackgroundTimely treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI) can reduce severe outcomes in influenza patients.AimWe assessed the impact of antiviral treatment on in-hospital deaths of laboratory-confirmed influenza patients in 11 European Union countries from 2010/11 to 2019/20.MethodsCase-based surveillance data from hospitalised patients with known age, sex, outcome, ward, vaccination status, timing of antiviral treatment, and hospitalisation were obtained. A mixed effect logistic regression model using country as random intercept was applied to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for in-hospital death in patients treated with NAIs vs not treated.ResultsOf 19,937 patients, 31% received NAIs within 48 hours of hospital admission. Older age (60-79 years aOR 3.0, 95% CI: 2.4-3.8; 80 years 8.3 (6.6-10.5)) and intensive care unit admission (3.8, 95% CI: 3.4-4.2) increased risk of dying, while early hospital admission after symptom onset decreased risk (aOR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.90-0.93). NAI treatment initiation within 48 hours and up to 7 days reduced risk of dying (0-48 hours aOR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.45-0.59; 3-4 days 0.59 (0.51-0.67); 5-7 days 0.64 (0.56-0.74)), in particular in patients 40 years and older (e.g. treatment within 48 hours: 40-59 years aOR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28-0.66; 60-79 years 0.50 (0.39-0.63); ≥80 years 0.51 (0.42-0.63)).ConclusionNAI treatment given within 48 hours and possibly up to 7 days after symptom onset reduced risk of in-hospital death. NAI treatment should be considered in older patients to prevent severe outcomes.

The Hospital Recovery Scale: A clinically useful endpoint in patients hospitalized with influenza

BACKGROUND

Currently, no single best primary endpoint exists for measuring the efficacy of treatments in seriously ill patients with respiratory infections, such as influenza, who require hospitalization. The Hospital Recovery Scale is an ordinal endpoint used to evaluate treatment outcomes in clinical studies of hospitalized patients infected with influenza.

METHODS

To determine whether Hospital Recovery Scale outcomes correspond to those for other clinical endpoints in patients hospitalized due to influenza, data from the phase 3 randomized, double-blind ZORO clinical trial (NCT01231620) were analyzed. Randomized influenza-infected patients were divided into subgroups of interest based on prespecified baseline and infection-related characteristics, as well as randomized treatment arms (intravenous zanamivir 300 mg or 600 mg, or oral oseltamivir 75 mg). Clinical endpoints relevant to this population were included to analyze differences in outcomes between the subgroups, and correspondence of these endpoints and hospital recovery endpoint was evaluated.

RESULTS

Data from 488 patients were analyzed. There were strong correlations (ρ_s > 0.8) between the Hospital Recovery Scale assessed on the day after completion of a 5-day antiviral therapy (Day 6) and both time to hospital discharge and time to intensive care unit discharge, and moderate to strong correlations (0.6 < ρ_s < 0.8) between the Hospital Recovery Scale on Day 6 and several other relevant clinical endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hospital Recovery Scale is applicable as a primary endpoint in trials to evaluate new therapies for severely ill patients hospitalized due to influenza, and may have utility in other severe respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19.

Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2022-2023

This technical report accompanies the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics for the routine use of influenza vaccine and antiviral medications in the prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2022 to 2023 season. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community as well as reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses when other viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2, are cocirculating. This technical report summarizes recent influenza seasons, morbidity and mortality in children, vaccine effectiveness, and vaccination coverage, and provides detailed guidance on storage, administration, and implementation. The report also provides a brief background on inactivated and live attenuated influenza vaccine recommendations, vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding, diagnostic testing, and antiviral medications for treatment and chemoprophylaxis. Updated information is provided about the 2021 to 2022 influenza season, influenza immunization rates, the effectiveness of influenza vaccination on hospitalization and mortality, available vaccines, guidance for patients with history of severe allergic reactions to prior influenza vaccinations, and strategies to promote vaccine uptake.

Influenza

Annual seasonal influenza epidemics of variable severity caused by influenza A and B virus infections result in substantial disease burden worldwide. Seasonal influenza virus circulation declined markedly in 2020-21 after SARS-CoV-2 emerged but increased in 2021-22. Most people with influenza have abrupt onset of respiratory symptoms and myalgia with or without fever and recover within 1 week, but some can experience severe or fatal complications. Prevention is primarily by annual influenza vaccination, with efforts underway to develop new vaccines with improved effectiveness. Sporadic zoonotic infections with novel influenza A viruses of avian or swine origin continue to pose pandemic threats. In this Seminar, we discuss updates of key influenza issues for clinicians, in particular epidemiology, virology, and pathogenesis, diagnostic testing including multiplex assays that detect influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2, complications, antiviral treatment, influenza vaccines, infection prevention, and non-pharmaceutical interventions, and highlight gaps in clinical management and priorities for clinical research.

Antiviral Drugs in Influenza

Flu is a serious health, medical, and economic problem, but no therapy is yet available that has satisfactory results and reduces the occurrence of these problems. Nearly 20 years after the registration of the previous therapy, baloxavir marboxil, a drug with a new mechanism of action, recently appeared on the market. This is a promising step in the fight against the influenza virus. This article presents the possibilities of using all available antiviral drugs specific for influenza A and B. We compare all currently recommended anti-influenza medications, considering their mechanisms of action, administration, indications, target groups, effectiveness, and safety profiles. We demonstrate that baloxavir marboxil presents a similar safety and efficacy profile to those of drugs already used in the treatment of influenza. Further research on combination therapy is highly recommended and may have promising results.

Influenza clinical testing and oseltamivir treatment in hospitalized children with acute respiratory illness, 2015-2016

BACKGROUND

Antiviral treatment is recommended for all hospitalized children with suspected or confirmed influenza, regardless of their risk profile. Few data exist on adherence to these recommendations, so we sought to determine factors associated with influenza testing and antiviral treatment in children.

METHODS

Hospitalized children <18 years of age with acute respiratory illness (ARI) were enrolled through active surveillance at pediatric medical centers in seven cities between 11/1/2015 and 6/30/2016; clinical information was obtained from parent interview and chart review. We used generalized linear mixed-effects models to identify factors associated with influenza testing and antiviral treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 2299 hospitalized children with ARI enrolled during one influenza season, 51% (n = 1183) were tested clinically for influenza. Clinicians provided antiviral treatment for 61 of 117 (52%) patients with a positive influenza test versus 66 of 1066 (6%) with a negative or unknown test result. In multivariable analyses, factors associated with testing included neuromuscular disease (aOR = 5.35, 95% CI [3.58-8.01]), immunocompromised status (aOR = 2.88, 95% CI [1.66-5.01]), age (aOR = 0.93, 95% CI [0.91-0.96]), private only versus public only insurance (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI [0.63-0.98]), and chronic lung disease (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI [0.51-0.81]). Factors associated with antiviral treatment included neuromuscular disease (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI [1.04, 3.31]), immunocompromised state (aOR = 2.63, 95% CI [1.38, 4.99]), duration of illness (aOR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.84, 0.99]), and chronic lung disease (aOR = 0.60, 95% CI [0.38, 0.95]).

CONCLUSION

Approximately half of children hospitalized with influenza during the 2015-2016 influenza season were treated with antivirals. Because antiviral treatment for influenza is associated with better health outcomes, further studies of subsequent seasons would help evaluate current use of antivirals among children and better understand barriers for treatment.

Flu@home: The comparative accuracy of an at-home influenza rapid diagnostic test, using a pre-positioned test kit, mobile app, mail-in reference sample, and symptom-based testing trigger

At-home testing with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for respiratory viruses could facilitate early diagnosis, guide patient care, and prevent transmission. Such RDTs are best used near the onset of illness when viral load is highest and clinical action will be most impactful, which may be achieved by at-home testing. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the QuickVue Influenza A + B RDT in an at-home setting. A convenience sample of 5,229 individuals who were engaged with an on-line health research platform were prospectively recruited throughout the United States. "flu@home" test kits containing a QuickVue RDT and reference sample collection and shipping materials were pre-positioned with participants at the beginning of the study. Participants responded to daily symptom surveys. If they reported experiencing cough along with aches, fever, chills, and/or sweats, they used their flu@home kit following instructions on a mobile app and indicated what lines they saw on the RDT. Of the 976 participants who met criteria to use their self-collection kit and completed study procedures, 202 (20.7%) were positive for influenza by qPCR. The RDT had a sensitivity of 28% (95% CI: 21-36) and specificity of 99% (98-99) for influenza A, and 32% (95% CI: 20-46) and 99% (95% CI: 98-99), for influenza B. Our results support the concept of app-supported, pre-positioned at-home RDT kits using symptom-based triggers, although it cannot be recommended with the RDT used in this study. Further research is needed to determine ways to improve the accuracy and utility of home-based testing for influenza.

Flu-IV score: a predictive tool for assessing the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with influenza-related pneumonia

Background

The need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is linked to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with influenza-related pneumonia (Flu-p). We aimed to develop an assessment tool to predict IMV among Flu-p patients within 14 days of admission.

Methods

In total, 1107 Flu-p patients from five teaching hospitals were retrospectively enrolled from January 2012 to December 2019, including 895 patients in the derivation cohort and 212 patients in the validation cohort. The predictive model was established based on independent risk factors for IMV in the Flu-p patients from the derivation cohort.

Results

Overall, 10.6% (117/1107) of patients underwent IMV within 14 days of admission. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that the following factors were associated with IMV: early neuraminidase inhibitor use (− 3 points), lymphocytes < 0.8 × 10⁹/L (1 point), multi-lobar infiltrates (1 point), systemic corticosteroid use (1 point), age ≥ 65 years old (1 points), PaO₂/FiO₂ < 300 mmHg (2 points), respiratory rate ≥ 30 breaths/min (3 points), and arterial PH < 7.35 (4 points). A total score of five points was used to identify patients at risk of IMV. This model had a sensitivity of 85.5%, a specificity of 88.8%, and exhibited better predictive performance than the ROX index (AUROC = 0.909 vs. 0.594, p = 0.004), modified ROX index (AUROC = 0.909 vs. 0.633, p = 0.012), and HACOR scale (AUROC = 0.909 vs. 0.622, p < 0.001) using the validation cohort.

Conclusions

Flu-IV score is a valuable prediction rule for 14-day IMV rates in Flu-p patients. However, it should be validated in a prospective study before implementation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-022-01833-2.

Clinical characteristics, risk factors and antiviral treatments of influenza in immunosuppressed inpatients in Beijing during the 2015-2020 influenza seasons

BACKGROUND

Compared with immunocompetent patients, immunosuppressed patients have higher morbidity and mortality, a longer duration of viral shedding, more frequent complications, and more antiviral resistance during influenza infections. However, few data on this population in China have been reported. We analysed the clinical characteristics, effects of antiviral therapy, and risk factors for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and death in this population after influenza infections and explored the influenza vaccination situation for this population.

METHODS

We analysed 111 immunosuppressed inpatients who were infected with influenza virus during the 2015-2020 influenza seasons. Medical data were collected through the electronic medical record system and analysed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistics analysis were used to identify risk factors.

RESULTS

The most common cause of immunosuppression was malignancies being treated with chemotherapy (64.0%, 71/111), followed by haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (23.4%, 26/111). The most common presenting symptoms were fever and cough. Dyspnoea, gastrointestinal symptoms and altered mental status were more common in HSCT patients than in patients with immunosuppression due to other causes. Approximately 14.4% (16/111) of patients were admitted to the ICU, and 9.9% (11/111) of patients died. Combined and double doses of neuraminidase inhibitors did not significantly reduce the risk of admission to the ICU or death. Risk factors for admission to the ICU were dyspnoea, coinfection with other pathogens and no antiviral treatment within 48 h. The presence of dyspnoea and altered mental status were independently associated with death. Only 2.7% (3/111) of patients less than 12 months old had received a seasonal influenza vaccine.

CONCLUSION

Fever and other classic symptoms of influenza may be absent in immunosuppressed recipients, especially in HSCT patients. Conducting influenza virus detection at the first presentation seems to be a good choice for early diagnosis. Clinicians should pay extra attention to immunosuppressed patients with dyspnoea, altered mental status, coinfection with other pathogens and no antiviral treatment within 48 h because these patients have a high risk of severe illness. Inactivated influenza vaccines are recommended for immunosuppressed patients.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in hospitalized adult influenza patients: an observational study from Norway 2014-2018

BACKGROUND

Seasonal influenza causes substantial numbers of hospitalizations annually. We have characterized the clinical picture and treatment practice in hospitalized adult influenza patients and assessed whether clinical risk scores on admission or influenza type were associated with severe outcomes.

METHODS

Clinical characteristics and risk scores on admission (CRB65, CRB, SIRS and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [qSOFA]), treatment and severe outcomes (defined as: stay in intensive care unit (ICU), receiving oxygen supplementation or staying ≥5 days in hospital), were recorded in patients hospitalized with influenza at Oslo University Hospital, Norway, between 2014 and 2018.

RESULTS

Among the 156 included patients, 52.6% had influenza A(H3N2), 32.6% influenza B and 12.8% influenza A(H1N1). Median age was 70 years and 59.6% of patients were ≥65 years. Nine (5.8%) of the patients were treated in ICU, 43.0% received oxygen and 47.4% stayed ≥5 days in hospital. Overall, 34.6% of the patients had a high CRB score on admission which was associated with stay in ICU and oxygen supplementation. Multivariate analyses identified age, and pneumonia (46.8%), but not influenza type, to be associated with severe outcomes. Antiviral treatment was given to 37.2% of the patients, while 77.6% received antibiotics. Only 25.5% of patients with influenza B received antiviral therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The influenza patients were mostly elderly, and few patients were treated in ICU. A high CRB score was associated with severe outcomes with possible implications for patient monitoring. Less than 40% of the patients received antiviral therapy, whereas the majority were treated with antibiotics, indicating potential for optimising treatment strategies.

Comparison of severe and critical COVID-19 patients imported from Russia with and without influenza A infection in Heilongjiang Province: a retrospective study

Background

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) poses a global health emergency, and cases entering China from Russia are quite diverse. This study explored and compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients from Russia with and without influenza A infection, treated in a northern Chinese hospital (Russia imported patients).

Methods

A total of 32 severe and critically ill Russia-imported COVID-19 patients treated in the Heilongjiang Imported Severe and Critical COVID-19 Treatment Center from April 6 to May 11, 2020 were included, including 8 cases (group A) with and 24 cases (group B) without influenza A infection. The clinical characteristics of each group were compared, including prolonged hospital stay, duration of oxygen therapy, time from onset to a negative SARS-CoV-2 qRT-PCR RNA (T_neg) result, and duration of bacterial infection.

Results

The results showed that blood group, PaO₂/FiO₂, prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin activity (PTA), computed tomography (CT) score, hospital stay, duration of oxygenation therapy, T_neg, and duration of bacterial infection were statistically different between the two groups (P<0.05). Multivariant regression analysis showed that the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and influenza A infection were factors influencing hospital stay; SOFA score, CRP, and CT score were factors influencing the duration of oxygenation therapy; PaO₂/FiO₂, platelet count (PLT), and CRP were factors influencing T_neg; and gender, SOFA score, and influenza A infection were factors influencing the duration of bacterial infection.

Conclusions

Influenza A infection is common in Russia-imported COVID-19 patients, which can prolong the hospital stay and duration of bacterial infection. Routinely screening and treating influenza A should be conducted early in such patients.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza epidemics of variable severity pose challenges to public health. Annual vaccination is the primary way to prevent influenza, and a wide range of vaccines are available, including inactivated or live attenuated standard-dose, recombinant vaccines, as well as adjuvanted or high-dose vaccines for persons aged 65 years or older. Persons at increased risk for influenza complications include young children, persons with underlying medical conditions, and older adults. Prompt diagnosis of influenza can facilitate early initiation of antiviral treatment that provides the greatest clinical benefit. This article summarizes recommendations for providers on influenza vaccination, diagnostic testing, and antiviral treatment.

Management of hospitalized influenza A patients during the season 2018/19 : Comparison of three medical departments and the effect on outcome and antibiotic usage

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis and treatment of influenza patients are often provided across several medical specialties. We compared patient outcomes at an infectious diseases (ID), a rheumatology (Rheu) and a pulmonology (Pul) department.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this prospective observational multicenter study we included all influenza positive adults who were hospitalized and treated at flu isolation wards in three hospitals in Vienna during the season 2018/2019.

RESULTS

A total of 490 patients (49% female) with a median age of 73 years (interquartile range [IQR] 61-82) were included. No differences regarding age, sex and most underlying diseases were present at admission. Frequencies of the most common complications differed: acute kidney failure (ID 12.7%, Rheu 21.2%, Pulm 37.1%, p < 0.001), acute heart failure (ID 4.3%, Rheu 17.1%, Pulm 14.4%, p < 0.001) and respiratory insufficiency (ID 45.1%, Rheu 41.5%, Pulm 56.3%, p = 0.030). Oseltamivir prescription was lowest at the pulmonology flu ward (ID 79.6%, Rheu 90.5%, Pulm 61.7%, p < 0.001). In total 176 patients (35.9%) developed pneumonia. Antibiotic selection varied between the departments: amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (ID 28.9%, Rheu 63.8%, Pulm 5.9%, p < 0.001), cefuroxime (ID 28.9%, Rheu 1.3%, Pulm 0%, p < 0.001), 3rd generation cephalosporins (ID 4.4%, Rheu 5%, Pulm 72.5%, p < 0.001), doxycycline (ID 17.8%, Rheu 0%, Pulm 0%, p < 0.001). The median length of stay was significantly different between wards: ID 6 days (IQR 5-8), Rheu 6 days (IQR 5-7) and Pulm 7 days (IQR 5-9.5, p = 0.034). In-hospital mortality was 4.3% and did not differ between specialties.

CONCLUSION

We detected differences in oseltamivir usage, length of in-hospital stay and antibiotic choices for pneumonia. Influenza-associated mortality was unaffected by specialty.

Influenza Antiviral Treatment and Length of Stay

BACKGROUND

Antiviral treatment is recommended for hospitalized patients with suspected and confirmed influenza, but evidence is limited among children. We evaluated the effect of antiviral treatment on hospital length of stay (LOS) among children hospitalized with influenza.

METHODS

We included children <18 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza in the US Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network. We collected data for 2 cohorts: 1 with underlying medical conditions not admitted to the ICU (n = 309, 2012-2013) and an ICU cohort (including children with and without underlying conditions; n = 299, 2010-2011 to 2012-2013). We used a Cox model with antiviral receipt as a time-dependent variable to estimate hazard of discharge and a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to determine LOS.

RESULTS

Compared with those not receiving antiviral agents, LOS was shorter for those treated ≤2 days after illness onset in both the medical conditions (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.37, P = .02) and ICU (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.46, P = .007) cohorts, corresponding to 37% and 46% increases in daily discharge probability, respectively. Treatment ≥3 days after illness onset had no significant effect in either cohort. In the medical conditions cohort, median LOS was 3 days for those not treated versus 2 days for those treated ≤2 days after symptom onset (P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Early antiviral treatment was associated with significantly shorter hospitalizations in children with laboratory-confirmed influenza and high-risk medical conditions or children treated in the ICU. These results support Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for prompt empiric antiviral treatment in hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed influenza.

Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2021-2022

This technical report accompanies the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics for the routine use of the influenza vaccine and antiviral medications in the prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2021-2022 season. Influenza vaccination is an important intervention to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the burden of respiratory illnesses during circulation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which is expected to continue during this influenza season. In this technical report, we summarize recent influenza seasons, morbidity and mortality in children, vaccine effectiveness, vaccination coverage, and detailed guidance on storage, administration, and implementation. We also provide background on inactivated and live attenuated influenza vaccine recommendations, vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding, diagnostic testing, and antiviral medications for treatment and chemoprophylaxis.

The severity and risk factors for mortality in immunocompromised adult patients hospitalized with influenza-related pneumonia

Objective

To explore disease severity and risk factors for 30-day mortality of adult immunocompromised (IC) patients hospitalized with influenza-related pneumonia (Flu-p).

Method

A total of 122 IC and 1191 immunocompetent patients hospitalized with Flu-p from January 2012 to December 2018 were recruited retrospectively from five teaching hospitals in China.

Results

After controlling for confounders, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that immunosuppression was associated with increased risks for invasive ventilation [odds ratio: (OR) 2.475, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.511–4.053, p < 0.001], admittance to the intensive care unit (OR: 3.247, 95% CI 2.064–5.106, p < 0.001), and 30-day mortality (OR: 3.206, 95% CI 1.926–5.335, p < 0.001) in patients with Flu-p. Another multivariate logistic regression model revealed that baseline lymphocyte counts (OR: 0.993, 95% CI 0.990–0.996, p < 0.001), coinfection (OR: 5.450, 95% CI 1.638–18.167, p = 0.006), early neuraminidase inhibitor therapy (OR 0.401, 95% CI 0.127–0.878, p = 0.001), and systemic corticosteroid use at admission (OR: 6.414, 95% CI 1.348–30.512, p = 0.020) were independently related to 30-day mortality in IC patients with Flu-p. Based on analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the optimal cutoff for lymphocyte counts was 0.6 × 10⁹/L [area under the ROC (AUROC) = 0.824, 95% CI 0.744—0.887], sensitivity: 97.8%, specificity: 73.7%].

Conclusions

IC conditions are associated with more severe outcomes in patients with Flu-p. The predictors for mortality that we identified may be valuable for the management of Flu-p among IC patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12941-021-00462-7.

Low rate of oseltamivir prescription among adults and children with confirmed influenza illness in France during the 2018-19 influenza season

BACKGROUND

Oseltamivir shows effectiveness in reducing influenza-related symptoms, morbidity and mortality. Its prescription remains suboptimal.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to describe oseltamivir prescription in confirmed cases of influenza and to identify associated factors.

METHODS

A prospective monocentric observational study was conducted between 1 December 2018 and 30 April 2019. All patients with a virologically confirmed influenza diagnosis were included. Factors associated with oseltamivir prescription were studied.

RESULTS

Influenza was confirmed in 755 patients (483 children and 272 adults), of which 188 (25.1%) were hospitalized and 86 (11.4%) had signs of severity. Oseltamivir was prescribed for 452 patients (59.9%), more frequently in children than in adults [329/483 (68.1%) versus 123/272 (45.2%), P < 0.001]. Factors associated with oseltamivir prescription were evaluated in 729 patients (246 adults and 483 children). Patients with at least one risk factor for severe influenza received oseltamivir less frequently (50%, 137/274) than those without risk factors (70%, 315/452) (P < 0.001). Pregnant women received oseltamivir in 81% of cases (17/21). Severe influenza cases were treated with oseltamivir in only 45.3% (39/86). The median duration of symptoms was 24 h (IQR 12-48) in treated patients versus 72 h (IQR 48-120) in untreated patients (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Oseltamivir should be administered as early as possible, preferably within 24-48 h after illness onset, for the best benefits. It is, however, very important to promote the use of neuraminidase inhibitor ('NAI') treatment beyond 48 h in some specific patient populations.

The Economic Burden of Influenza-Like Illness among Children, Chronic Disease Patients, and the Elderly in China: A National Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: The disease burden of seasonal influenza is substantial in China, while there is still a lack of nationwide economic burden estimates. This study aims to examine influenza-like illness (ILI) prevalence, healthcare-seeking behaviors, economic impact of ILI, and its influencing factors among three priority groups during the 2018–19 influenza season. Methods: From August to October 2019, 6668 children’s caregivers, 1735 chronic disease patients, and 3849 elderly people were recruited from 10 provinces in China to participate in an on-site survey. The economic burden of ILI consisted of direct (medical or non-medical) and indirect burdens, and a two-part model was adopted to predict the influencing factors of total economic burden. Results: There were 45.73% children, 16.77% chronic disease patients, and 12.70% elderly people reporting ILI, and most participants chose outpatient service or over-the-counter (OTC) medication after ILI. The average economic burden was CNY 1647 (USD 237.2) for children, CNY 951 (USD 136.9) for chronic disease patients, and CNY 1796 (USD 258.6) for the elderly. Two-part regression showed that age, gender, whether the only child in the family, region, and household income were important predictors of ILI economic burden among children, while age, region, place of residence, basic health insurance, and household income were significant predictors of ILI economic burden among chronic disease patients and the elderly. Conclusions: A large economic burden of ILI was highlighted, especially among the elderly with less income and larger medical burdens, as well as children, with higher prevalence and higher self-payment ratio. It is important to adopt targeted interventions for high-risk groups, and this study can help national-level decision-making on the introduction of influenza vaccination as a public health project.

The Impact of Immunization and Use of Oseltamivir on Influenza-Related Hospitalizations: A Population-Based Study

Background

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into flu season, it is critical to minimize hospitalizations to maximize capacity and preserve critical care resources. We sought to identify risk factors for influenza-related hospitalization, specifically the role of immunization and oseltamivir prescriptions.

Methods

Patients with influenza diagnoses were identified from the MarketScan database (2014-2018). Primary risk factors of interest were an influenza vaccination within 6 months prior to infection and oseltamivir prescriptions (filled on the day diagnosis, the following day, or 2-5 days). A multivariable logistic regression model was run to identify risk factors for influenza-related hospitalizations within 30 days of diagnosis.

Results

Among 2 395 498 influenza infections, 0.27% were hospitalized. Of those prescribed oseltamivir the day of diagnosis, 0.13% were later hospitalized, compared to 0.67% among those who filled prescriptions the following day and 11.8% when filled within 2 to 5 days. Upon adjustment, oseltamivir prescriptions filled on the day of diagnosis were associated with significantly decreased odds of hospitalization (OR 0.51 CI 0.48-0.55). Prescriptions filled within 1 to 5 days of diagnosis were associated with significantly increased odds of hospitalization (1 day OR 2.01 CI 1.81-2.24; 2-5 days OR 34.1 CI 31.7-36.6). Flu vaccination was associated with a lower odds for hospitalization (OR 0.84 CI 0.74-0.95).

Conclusions

We recommend oseltamivir be prescribed to patients when they first present with influenza-like symptoms to reduce the burden on the healthcare system. We also identified reduced odds of hospitalization associated with influenza vaccination, which is already well established, but particularly important this coming flu season.

Complications of Cardiovascular Events in Patients Hospitalized with Influenza-Related Pneumonia

Purpose

Influenza virus infections are a key cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Cardiovascular events (CVEs) are common among CAP and influenza patients, but there have been few population-based studies of influenza-related pneumonia (Flu-p) patients published to date.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1191 immunocompetent hospitalized adult Flu-p patients from January 2012 to December 2018 in five teaching hospitals in China was conducted.

Results

A total of 24.6% (293/1191) of patients developed at least one form of CVE-related complication while hospitalized. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, preexisting heart failure, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, respiratory rates ≥30 breaths/min, a lymphocyte count <0.8×10⁹/L, PaO₂/FiO₂ <300 mmHg, and systemic corticosteroid administration were independently associated with the incidence of CVEs; while early neuraminidase inhibitor treatment and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blocker treatment were associated with a lower risk of CVEs. After controlling for potential confounding variables, we determined that CVEs were linked to a higher risk of 30-day mortality (OR 3.307, 95% CI 2.198–4.975, p < 0.001) in Flu-p patients.

Conclusion

CVE-related complications are common among hospitalized Flu-p patients and are associated with negative patient outcomes. Clarifying these CVE-related risk factors can aid in their clinical prevention and management.

Point-of-care testing for influenza in a university emergency department: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Seasonal influenza is a burden for emergency departments (ED). The aim of this study was to investigate whether point-of-care (POC) PCR testing can be used to reduce staff sick days and improve diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate whether point-of-care (POC) PCR testing can be used to reduce staff sick days and improve diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

METHODS

Using a cross-over design, the cobas® Liat® Influenza A/B POC PCR test (Liat) was compared with standard clinical practice during the 2019/2020 influenza season. All adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with fever (≥38°C) and respiratory symptoms were included. Primary end points were the prevalence of influenza infections in the ED and staff sick days. Secondary end points were frequency of antiviral and antibacterial therapy, time between admission and test result or treatment initiation, patient disposition, ED length of stay (LOS), and for inpatients mortality and LOS. Nurses were interviewed about handling and integration of POC testing. The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections coincided with the second half of the study.

RESULTS

A total of 828 patients were enrolled in the study. All 375 patients of the intervention group were tested with Liat, and 103 patients of them (27.6%) tested positive. During the intervention period, staff sick days were reduced by 34.4% (P = .023). Significantly, more patients in the intervention group received antiviral therapy with neuraminidase inhibitors (7.2% vs 3.8%, P = .028) and tested patients received antibiotics more frequently (40.0% vs 31.6%, P = .033). Patients with POC test were transferred to external hospitals significantly more often (5.6% vs 1.3%, P = .01).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that POC testing for influenza is useful in the ED, especially if it is heavily frequented by patients with respiratory symptoms.

Clinical impact of a routine, molecular, point-of-care, test-and-treat strategy for influenza in adults admitted to hospital (FluPOC): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of influenza in patients admitted to hospital is delayed due to long turnaround times with laboratory testing, leading to inappropriate and late antiviral treatment and isolation facility use. Molecular point-of-care tests (mPOCTs) are highly accurate, easy to use, and generate results in less than 1 h, but high-quality evidence for their effect on management and clinical outcomes is needed. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical impact of an mPOCT on influenza detection, antiviral use, infection control measures, and clinical outcomes in adults admitted to hospital with acute respiratory illness.

METHODS

In this multicentre, pragmatic, open-label, randomised controlled trial (FluPOC), we recruited adults admitted to hospital with acute respiratory illness during influenza seasons from two hospitals in Hampshire, UK. Eligible patients were aged 18 years and older, with acute respiratory illness of 10 days or fewer duration before admission to hospital, who were recruited within 16 h of admission to hospital. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1), using random permuted blocks of varying sizes (4, 6 and 8), to receive mPOCT for influenza or routine clinical care (control group). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients infected with influenza who were treated appropriately with antivirals (neuraminidase inhibitors) within 5 days of admission. Safety was assessed in all patients. Secondary outcomes included time to antivirals, isolation facility use, and clinical outcomes. This study is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN17197293, and is now complete.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 12, 2017, and May 3, 2019, over two influenza seasons, 613 patients were enrolled, of whom 307 were assigned to the mPOCT group and 306 to the control group, and all were analysed. Median age was 62 years (IQR 45-75) and 332 (54%) of 612 participants with data were female. 100 (33%) of 307 patients in the mPOCT group and 102 (33%) of 306 in the control group had influenza. 100 (100%) of 100 patients with influenza were diagnosed in the mPOCT group and 60 (59%) of 102 were diagnosed though routine clinical care in the control group (relative risk 1·7, 95% CI 1·7-1·7; p<0·0001). 99 (99%) of 100 patients with influenza in the mPOCT group were given antiviral treatment within 5 days of admission versus 63 (62%) 102 in the control group (relative risk 1·6, 95% CI 1·4-1·9; p<0·0001). Median time to antivirals was 1·0 h (IQR 0·0 to 2·0) in the mPOCT group versus 6·0 h (0·0 to 12·0) in the control group (difference of 5·0 h [95% CI 0·0-6·0; p=0·0039]). 70 (70%) of 100 patients with influenza in the mPOCT group were isolated to single-room accommodation versus 39 (38%) of 102 in the control group (relative risk 1·8 [95% CI 1·4-2·4; p<0·0001]). 19 adverse events occurred among patients with influenza in the mPOCT group compared with 34 events in the control group. No patients with influenza died in the mPOCT group and two (2%) died in the control group (p=0·16).

INTERPRETATION

Routine mPOCT for influenza was associated with improved influenza detection and improvements in appropriate and timely antiviral and isolation facility use. Routine mPOCT should replace laboratory-based diagnostics for acute admissions to hospital during the influenza season.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research.

Hydroxychloroquine versus lopinavir/ritonavir in severe COVID-19 patients : Results from a real-life patient cohort

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with a high mortality. To date no trial comparing hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/RTV) has been performed.

METHODS

Hospitalized patients ≥18 years old with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were treated with either HCQ or LPV/RTV if they had either respiratory insufficiency (SpO2 ≤ 93% on room air or the need for oxygen insufflation) or bilateral consolidations on chest X‑ray and at least 2 comorbidities associated with poor COVID-19 prognosis. Outcomes investigated included in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) negativity and side effects of treatment.

RESULTS

Of 156 patients (41% female) with a median age of 72 years (IQR 55.25-81) admitted to our department, 67 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (20 received HCQ, 47 LPV/RTV). Groups were comparable regarding most baseline characteristics. Median time from symptom onset to treatment initiation was 8 days and was similar between the groups (p = 0.727). There was no significant difference (HCQ vs. LPV/RTV) in hospital mortality (15% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.418), ICU admission rate (20% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.470) and length of stay (9 days vs. 11 days, p = 0.340). A PCR negativity from nasopharyngeal swabs was observed in approximately two thirds of patients in both groups. Side effects led to treatment discontinuation in 15% of patients in the LPV/RTV group.

CONCLUSION

No statistically significant differences were observed in outcome parameters in patients treated with HCQ or LPV/RTV but patients in the LPV/RTV group showed a numerically lower hospital mortality rate. Additionally, in comparison to other studies we demonstrated a lower mortality in patients treated with LPV/RTV despite having similar patient groups, perhaps due to early initiation of treatment.

Early oseltamivir treatment improves survival in critically ill patients with influenza pneumonia

Background

The relationship between early oseltamivir treatment (within 48 h of symptom onset) and mortality in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with severe influenza is disputed. This study aimed to investigate the association between early oseltamivir treatment and ICU mortality in critically ill patients with influenza pneumonia.

Methods

This was an observational study of patients with influenza pneumonia admitted to 184 ICUs in Spain during 2009-2018. The primary outcome was to evaluate the association between early oseltamivir treatment and ICU mortality compared with later treatment. Secondary outcomes were to compare the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay between the early and later oseltamivir treatment groups. To reduce biases related to observational studies, propensity score matching and a competing risk analysis were performed.

Results

During the study period, 2124 patients met the inclusion criteria. All patients had influenza pneumonia and received oseltamivir before ICU admission. Of these, 529 (24.9%) received early oseltamivir treatment. In the multivariate analysis, early treatment was associated with reduced ICU mortality (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51-0.95). After propensity score matching, early oseltamivir treatment was associated with improved survival rates in the Cox regression (hazard ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.99) and competing risk (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.85) analyses. The ICU length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation were shorter in patients receiving early treatment.

Conclusions

Early oseltamivir treatment is associated with improved survival rates in critically ill patients with influenza pneumonia, and may decrease ICU length of stay and mechanical ventilation duration.

Influenza management with new therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Influenza represents a significant treatment burden to critical care services. A variety of treatment strategies exist, with more and more therapeutic avenues opening up as research progresses. We examined both pharmacological and supportive treatment strategies currently available to see how they might be applied in an ICU setting.

RECENT FINDINGS

Supportive care in Influenza centres around optimizing respiratory failure, particularly through well established and recognized ventilatory strategies. Noninvasive ventilation and high-flow nasal oxygen may have a limited role in selected patients under carefully monitored circumstances. Drug therapy exerts only a modest clinical effect and has been poorly studied in the critically ill, though there is some evidence to support the use of neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI) - particularly oseltamivir - as early as possible in this cohort. Newer agents have failed to demonstrate superiority over NAIs but may be useful options if the patient fails to respond or should resistant influenza strains emerge. Steroid therapy, in the absence of another indication, must be recommended against given the repeated trend towards increased mortality in this group.

SUMMARY

Influenza management is an evolving field of significant interest to any critical care provider. Currently, good respiratory supportive care and early enteral oseltamivir are the best supported treatment strategies. Further study in the intensive care setting will be needed before the use of novel agents can be recommended.

[Virological diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections]

INTRODUCTION

The etiological diagnosis of bronchopulmonary infections cannot be assessed with clinical, radiological and epidemiological data alone. Viruses have been demonstrated to cause a large proportion of these infections, both in children and adults.

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of viral bronchopulmonary infections is based on the analysis of secretions, collected from the lower respiratory tract when possible, by techniques that detect either influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses, or a large panel of viruses that can be responsible for respiratory disease. The latter, called multiplex PCR assays, allow a syndromic approach to respiratory infection. Their high cost for the laboratory raises the question of their place in the management of patients in terms of antibiotic economy and isolation. In the absence of clear recommendations, the strategy and equipment are very unevenly distributed in France.

OUTLOOK

Medico-economic analyses need to be performed in France to evaluate the place of these tests in the management of patients. The evaluation of the role of the different viruses often detected in co-infection, especially in children, also deserves the attention of virologists and clinicians.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of new diagnostic technologies, the recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2, together with the availability of new antiviral drugs are likely to impact future recommendations for the management of viral bronchopulmonary infections.

The Need for Antiviral Drugs for Pandemic Coronaviruses From a Global Health Perspective

Respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 has caused widespread mortality, creating an urgent need for effective treatments and a long-term need for antivirals for future emergent coronaviruses. Pharmacotherapy for respiratory viruses has largely been unsuccessful with the exception of early treatment of influenza viruses, which shortens symptom duration and prevents infection in close contacts. Under the rapidly evolving circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, most clinical trials of experimental treatments in the United States have focused on later stages of the disease process. Worldwide, the clinical studies of the most impactful drugs, remdesivir and dexamethasone in ACTT-1, RECOVERY, and Solidarity, have studied hospitalized patients. Less than half of clinical trials in the U.S. have investigated oral agents, and the majority have taken place in hospitals at a disease stage where the viral load is already decreasing. The limited success of treatments for respiratory viruses and the viral dynamics of COVID-19 suggest that an antiviral therapy with the greatest impact against pandemic coronaviruses would be orally administered, well-tolerated, target a highly conserved viral protein or host-coronavirus interaction and could be used effectively throughout the world, including resource-poor settings. We examine the treatment of respiratory viral infections and current clinical trials for COVID-19 to provide a framework for effective antiviral therapy and prevention of future emergent coronaviruses and call attention to the need for continued preclinical drug discovery.

Clinical impact of molecular point-of-care testing for suspected COVID-19 in hospital (COV-19POC): a prospective, interventional, non-randomised, controlled study

BACKGROUND

The management of the COVID-19 pandemic is hampered by long delays associated with centralised laboratory PCR testing. In hospitals, these delays lead to poor patient flow and nosocomial transmission. Rapid, accurate tests are therefore urgently needed in preparation for the next wave of the pandemic.

METHODS

We did a prospective, interventional, non-randomised, controlled study of molecular point-of-care testing in patients aged 18 years or older presenting with suspected COVID-19 to the emergency department or other acute areas of Southampton General Hospital during the first wave of the pandemic in the UK. Nose and throat swab samples taken at admission from patients in the point-of-care testing group were tested with the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel. Samples taken from patients in a contemporaneous control group were tested by laboratory PCR. The primary outcome was time to results in the full cohort. This study is registered with ISRCTN (ISRCTN14966673) and is completed.

FINDINGS

Between March 20 and April 29, 2020, 517 patients were assessed for eligibility, of whom 499 were recruited to the point-of-care testing group and tested by the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel. 555 contemporaneously identified patients were included in the control group and tested by laboratory PCR. The two groups were similar with regard to the distribution of sex, age, and ethnicity. 197 (39%) patients in the point-of-care testing group and 155 (28%) in the control group tested positive for COVID-19 (difference 11·5% [95% CI 5·8-17·2], p=0·0001). Median time to results was 1·7 h (IQR 1·6-1·9) in the point-of-care testing group and 21·3 h (16·0-27·9) in the control group (difference 19·6 h [19·0-20·3], p<0·0001). A Cox proportional hazards regression model controlling for age, sex, time of presentation, and severity of illness also showed that time to results was significantly shorter in the point-of-care testing group than in the control group (hazard ratio 4023 [95% CI 545-29 696], p<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Point-of-care testing is associated with large reductions in time to results and could lead to improvements in infection control measures and patient flow compared with centralised laboratory PCR testing.

FUNDING

University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

Influenza epidemics: The role of allergists-immunologists

OBJECTIVE

To review influenza epidemics and pandemics for practicing allergists-immunologists.

DATA SOURCES

English-language articles published in PubMed from 1990 to present with relevance to allergic disorders and articles cited by or similar to these articles.

STUDY SELECTIONS

A total of 472 articles were identified from PubMed. Two independent reviewers appraised the titles for relevance.

RESULTS

A total of 212 relevant articles were selected. Additional articles and government websites increased the number to 295 relevant citations.

CONCLUSION

Influenza epidemics and pandemics have recurred throughout history. Patients with asthma and immunodeficiency are at an increased risk. Nonpharmaceutical interventions, vaccination, and neuraminidase inhibitors are key strategies for the prevention and treatment of influenza epidemics/pandemics. Allergists play a vital role in protecting high-risk groups and increasing influenza vaccination coverage.

Gender differences and influenza-associated mortality in hospitalized influenza A patients during the 2018/19 season

BACKGROUND

In this study we analyzed gender differences in the clinical presentation of patients with molecular confirmed influenza A. Additionally, we tried to identify predictors of influenza-associated mortality.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this prospective observational multi-center-study we included all influenza-positive patients ≥ 18 years who were hospitalized and treated on flu-isolation-wards in three hospitals in Vienna during the 2018/19 influenza season. Diagnoses were made via Cobas^® Liat^® POCT.

RESULTS

490 Patients (48.8% female) tested positive for influenza A. Female patients were older (median age 76 years vs. 70 years, p < 0.001). Male patients had a higher rate of chronic liver disease in history (8.8% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.006), myositis (11.7% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001) and ICU admissions (9.6% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.03). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.3% and increased to 9.5% during the 90-day follow-up period. Female patients > 75 years had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate than ≤ 75-year-old females (9.2% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.019). This effect was not observed in male patients (5.4% vs. 1.9%, p = ns). Age > 75 years (OR 5.49, 95% CI 1.10-27.43), acute heart failure (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.03-12.05) and ICU admission (OR 6.1, 95% CI 0.98-37.91) were predictors for in-hospital mortality for female patients, while any malignancy (OR 9.4, 95% CI 1.90-46.54) and ICU admission (OR 7.05, 95% CI 1.44-34.55) were predictors in male patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender is associated with differences in clinical presentation and complications of influenza A virus infection. Women with acute heart failure or aged > 75 years have an increased risk of influenza associated in-hospital mortality, while ICU admission and any malignancy are predictors for male patients. Mortality rates in patients > 75 years are 5-10 times higher compared to their non-hospitalized influenza-negative Austrian counterparts.

Interferon Beta-1b and Lopinavir-Ritonavir for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Whether combined treatment with recombinant interferon beta-1b and lopinavir-ritonavir reduces mortality among patients hospitalized with Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, adaptive, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled patients at nine sites in Saudi Arabia. Hospitalized adults with laboratory-confirmed MERS were randomly assigned to receive recombinant interferon beta-1b plus lopinavir-ritonavir (intervention) or placebo for 14 days. The primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality, with a one-sided P-value threshold of 0.025. Prespecified subgroup analyses and safety analyses were conducted. Because of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019, the data and safety monitoring board requested an unplanned interim analysis and subsequently recommended the termination of enrollment and the reporting of the results.

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients were enrolled; 43 patients were assigned to the intervention group and 52 to the placebo group. A total of 12 patients (28%) in the intervention group and 23 (44%) in the placebo group died by day 90. The analysis of the primary outcome, with accounting for the adaptive design, yielded a risk difference of -19 percentage points (upper boundary of the 97.5% confidence interval [CI], -3; one-sided P = 0.024). In a prespecified subgroup analysis, treatment within 7 days after symptom onset led to lower 90-day mortality than use of placebo (relative risk, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.75), whereas later treatment did not. Serious adverse events occurred in 4 patients (9%) in the intervention group and in 10 (19%) in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of recombinant interferon beta-1b and lopinavir-ritonavir led to lower mortality than placebo among patients who had been hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed MERS. The effect was greatest when treatment was started within 7 days after symptom onset. (Funded by the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center; MIRACLE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02845843.).

Effects of Hydroxychloroquine on Covid-19 in Intensive Care Unit Patients: Preliminary Results

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Usefulness of antivirals and hydroxychloroquine in Covid-19 patients in the Intensive care unit (ICU) is not evidence-based.

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No association between hydroxychloroquine plasma concentration, viral load evolution, and clinical outcome for Covid-19.

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These results indicate that administration of hydroxychloroquine in critically ill patients would not be useful.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many intensive care unit (ICU) patients received hydroxychloroquine. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of hydroxychloroquine according to its plasma concentration in ICU patients. A single-center retrospective study was performed from March to April 2020 in an ICU of a university hospital. All patients admitted to the ICU with confirmed Covid-19 pneumonia and treated with hydroxychloroquine were included. The study compared 17 patients in whom the hydroxychloroquine plasma concentration was in the therapeutic target (on-target) and 12 patients in whom the plasma concentration was below the target (off-target). The follow-up of patients was 15 days. No association was found between hydroxychloroquine plasma concentration and viral load evolution (P = 0.77). There was no significant difference between the two groups for duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, in-hospital mortality, and 15-days mortality. These findings indicate that hydroxychloroquine administration for Covid-19 patients hospitalized in ICU is not associated with improved outcomes. Larger multicenter studies are needed to confirm these results.

Influenza vaccine effectiveness and disease burden in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease: 2012-2017

BACKGROUND

Data are limited on the burden of influenza and seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).

METHODS

We used a prospectively collected clinical registry of SCD patients 6 months to 21 years of age to determine the influenza cases per 100 patient-years, vaccination rates, and a test-negative case-control study design to estimate influenza VE against medically attended laboratory-confirmed influenza infection. Influenza-positive cases were randomly matched to test-negative controls on age and influenza season in 1:1 ratio. We used adjusted logistic regression models to compare odds ratio (OR) of vaccination in cases to controls. We calculated VE as [100% × (1 - adjusted OR)] and computed 95% confidence intervals (CIs) around the estimate.

RESULTS

There were 1037 children with SCD who were tested for influenza, 307 children (29.6%) had at least one influenza infection (338 infections, incidence rate 3.7 per 100 person-years; 95% CI, 3.4-4.1) and 56.2% of those tested received annual influenza vaccine. Overall VE pooled over five seasons was 22.3% (95% CI, -7.3% to 43.7%). Adjusted VE estimates ranged from 39.7% (95% CI, -70.1% to 78.6%) in 2015/2016 to -5.9% (95% CI, -88.4% to 40.4%) in the 2016/17 seasons. Influenza VE varied by age and was highest in children 1-5 years of age (66.6%; 95% CI, 30.3-84.0). Adjusted VE against acute chest syndrome during influenza infection was 39.4% (95% CI, -113.0 to 82.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Influenza VE in patients with SCD varies by season and age. Multicenter prospective studies are needed to better establish and monitor influenza VE among children with SCD.

Seasonal and pandemic influenza: 100 years of progress, still much to learn

Influenza viruses are highly transmissible, both within and between host species. The severity of the disease they cause is highly variable, from the mild and inapparent through to the devastating and fatal. The unpredictability of epidemic and pandemic outbreaks is accompanied but the predictability of seasonal disease in wide areas of the Globe, providing an inexorable toll on human health and survival. Although there have been great improvements in understanding influenza viruses and the disease that they cause, our knowledge of the effects they have on the host and the ways that the host immune system responds continues to develop. This review highlights the importance of the mucosa in defence against infection and in understanding the pathogenesis of disease. Although vaccines have been available for many decades, they remain suboptimal in needing constant redesign and in only providing short-term protection. There are real prospects for improvement in treatment and prevention of influenza soon, based on deeper knowledge of how the virus transmits, replicates and triggers immune defences at the mucosal surface.

Balancing evidence and frontline experience in the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic: current position of the Italian Society of Anti-infective Therapy (SITA) and the Italian Society of Pulmonology (SIP)

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has rapidly become epidemic in Italy and other European countries. The disease spectrum ranges from asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic presentations to acute respiratory failure. At the present time the absolute number of severe cases requiring ventilator support is reaching or even surpassing the intensive care unit bed capacity in the most affected regions and countries.

OBJECTIVES

To narratively summarize the available literature on the management of COVID-19 in order to combine current evidence and frontline opinions and to provide balanced answers to pressing clinical questions.

SOURCES

Inductive PubMed search for publications relevant to the topic.

CONTENT

The available literature and the authors' frontline-based opinion are summarized in brief narrative answers to selected clinical questions, with a conclusive statement provided for each answer.

IMPLICATIONS

Many off-label antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs are currently being administered to patients with COVID-19. Physicians must be aware that, as they are not supported by high-level evidence, these treatments may often be ethically justifiable only in those worsening patients unlikely to improve only with supportive care, and who cannot be enrolled onto randomized clinical trials. Access to well-designed randomized controlled trials should be expanded as much as possible because it is the most secure way to change for the better our approach to COVID-19 patients.