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Patients with cirrhosis have liver-related immune dysfunction that potentially predisposes the patients to increased influenza infection risk. Our study evaluates this cross-sectional relationship using a national registry of hospital patients. This study included the 2011–2017 National Inpatient Sample database. From this, respiratory influenza cases were isolated and stratified using the presence of cirrhosis into a cirrhosis-present study cohort and cirrhosis-absent controls; propensity score matching method was used to match the controls to the study cohort (cirrhosis-present) using a 1:1 matching ratio. The endpoints included mortality, length of stay, hospitalization costs, and influenza-related complications. Following the match, there were 2,040 with cirrhosis and matched 2,040 without cirrhosis admitted with respiratory influenza infection. Compared to the controls, cirrhosis patients had higher in-hospital mortality (7.79 vs 3.43% p < 0.001, OR 2.38 95% CI 1.78–3.17), longer length of stay (7.25 vs 6.52 d p < 0.001), higher hospitalization costs ($70,009 vs $65,035 p < 0.001), and were more likely be discharged to a skilled nursing facility and home healthcare (vs routine home discharges). In terms of influenza-related complications, the cirrhosis cohort had higher rates of sepsis (29.8 vs 22% p < 0.001, OR 1.51 95% CI 1.31–1.74). In the multivariate regression analysis, cirrhosis was associated with higher mortality (p < 0.001, aOR 2.31 95% CI 1.59–3.35) and length of stay (p = 0.018, aOR 1.03 95% CI 1.01–1.06). In subgroup analysis of patients with decompensated (n = 597) versus compensated cirrhosis (n = 1443), those with decompensated cirrhosis had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (12.7 vs 5.75% p < 0.001, OR 2.39 95% CI 1.72–3.32), length of stay (8.85 vs 6.59 d p < 0.001), and hospitalization costs ($92,858 vs $60,556 p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, decompensated cirrhosis was associated with increased mortality (p < 0.001, aOR 2.86 95% CI 1.90–4.32). This study shows the presence of cirrhosis to result in higher hospital mortality and postinfluenza complications in patients with influenza infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A novel pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus emerged in 2009 globally, and it continues to circulate in humans. The National Influenza Surveillance Network in Taiwan identified five A(H1N1)pdm09-predominant seasons, representing the 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2012/2013, 2013/2014, and 2015/2016 outbreaks from 2009 to 2016. Independently, a retrospective cohort study (which enrolled 639 infected patients during the five seasons) was conducted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to explore the risk factors associated with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-related complications. A phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin (HA) sequences showed that the circulating A(H1N1)pdm09 virus belonged to clades 1, 2, and 8 in 2009/2010; clades 3, 4, 5, and 7 in 2010/2011; clades 7 and 6C in 2012/2013; clades 6B in 2013/2014; and 6B/6B.1/6B.2 in 2015/2016. Compared to individuals infected in non-6B/6B.1/6B.2 seasons (2009/2010, 2010/2011, and 2012/2013), those infected in 6B/6B.1/6B.2 seasons (2013/2014 and 2015/2016) were at higher risk for influenza-related complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–2.8), pneumonia (aOR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.04–3.04), mechanical ventilation (aOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.2–5.6), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (aOR: 5.5, 95% CI: 1.9–15.9). For the increased severity of infection during the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 clade 6B/6B.1/6B.2 seasons, aspects related to the antigenic change of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, immune response of the host, and environmental factors required further investigation.

Background We assessed the association between early oseltamivir treatment and influenza complications in hospitalized patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study, including adults with laboratory-confirmed 2009 influenza A (H1N1) in three hospitals in Israel, was performed between July 2009 and January 2010, when admission was limited to high-risk patients. We compared patients treated with oseltamivir early versus late (>48 h after symptom onset). We analysed risk factors for complications, defined as radiographic pneumonia, hypoxia, mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit admission, haemodynamic support or in-hospital death. Risk factors for complications on univariate analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. Results Four hundred and forty-nine inpatients treated with oseltamivir were included, 189 (42.1%) of whom were treated early. Influenza complications occurred significantly more frequently among patients treated late with oseltamivir [150/260 (57.7%) versus 67/189 (35.4%), P < 0.001]. Late oseltamivir remained significantly associated with complications in the adjusted analysis (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.52–3.70). Other independent risk factors included dyspnoea, disease severity on admission, lower sodium and treatment at one hospital; rhinorrhoea was protective. In an analysis adjusted for the propensity for early treatment the association remained significant (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.41–3.46). Initiation of oseltamivir >48 h after admission was associated with a higher rate of complications documented after admission (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.55–10.80). Severe complications (excluding hypoxia and uncomplicated pneumonia) occurred more frequently with late oseltamivir (adjusted OR 3.28,95% CI 1.56–6.89). Conclusions Initiation of oseltamivir within 48 h of symptom onset was associated with fewer complications in patients hospitalized with 2009 influenza A (H1N1). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Seasonal influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. It also has major social and economic consequences in the form of high rates of absenteeism from school and work as well as significant treatment and hospitalization costs. In fact, annual influenza epidemics and the resulting deaths and lost days of productivity are estimated to cost US$10.4 billion in direct medical expenses and US$16.4 billion in lost potential earnings. Given the enormous burden of seasonal influenza and the important role that school-age children play in the cycle of disease, school nurses need to be knowledgeable about all aspects of this condition, including its clinical course and how it is transmitted; the range of options for preventing and treating the disease; and steps that can be taken to improve the rates of immunization against influenza. School nurses also can help by making sure that they themselves are vaccinated in a timely manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: To describe and compare the characteristics of children hospitalized with novel influenza A (H1N1) during two successive waves. Methods: This was a medical chart review of all children hospitalized in a French Canadian pediatric hospital in Montreal in the spring and fall of 2009 with a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction for novel influenza A (H1N1) and flu-like symptoms. Results: We included 202 children with a median age of 4.9 (range 0.1–18) years. Demographic and clinical features of the children in the two waves were similar. One or more underlying medical conditions were found in 59% of the children. Clinical findings at admission were: fever (98%), cough (88%), congestion/rhinorrhea (58%), gastrointestinal symptoms (47%), oxygen saturation below 95% (33%), sore throat (20%), and neurological symptoms (9%). Admission to the intensive care unit was required for 22 (11%) children, and 14 patients needed respiratory support. During the second wave, the median duration of stay was shorter (3 vs. 4 days, p =0.003) and oseltamivir was used more often (84% vs. 40%, p <0.001). Conclusions: Children hospitalized during the two successive waves of H1N1 were mainly school-aged and suffered from moderate disease. Although clinical features and severity of disease were similar, oseltamivir was prescribed more frequently and the length of hospital stay was shorter in the second wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]