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Introduction Acute otitis and sinusitis are common complications in patients with influenza and are responsible for increased hospitalization rates. Methods A five-year retrospective study (2018-2023) was conducted including all patients hospitalized for influenza (etiologic diagnosis by RT-PCR) to identify the incidence and characteristics of cases complicated with otitis and/or sinusitis. Cases associated with other viral co-infections were excluded from the analysis. Results We identified a cumulative rate of 20.6% (324 cases) of acute otitis (AO) and acute sinusitis (AS) among patients with influenza. Of these, 62.3% had AO, 28.1% AS, and 9.6% concomitant AO and AS. Cases of AO were predominant in the pediatric population (97.0%), while cases of AS were more common in adults (56.1%). Influenza A viruses were identified in 67.2% of patients. The infection with influenza B viruses increased the risk of acute congestive otitis media 2.1-fold (p=0.020), and influenza A viruses increased the risk of acute maxillary sinusitis 2.7-fold (p=0.029). Late presentation to the hospital, with a median of 4 days from the onset of influenza symptoms, was identified as a factor in the occurrence of AO and AS. Conclusions The risk of AO and AS is increased in patients with influenza, especially in the pediatric population and in late hospital presentations. These findings highlight the importance of proper monitoring and management of patients with influenza to prevent the development of complications, as well as the need to better understand the mechanisms whereby influenza viruses contribute to these secondary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of patients with hepatitis C virus and also those with cardiovascular diseases is increasing, and so we are more frequently in the situation of giving statins to the patients with chronic hepatic diseases. The relation hepatitis C virus -- lipidic metabolism is a complex one, the interactions being multiples. The hypocholesterolemiant treatment with statins affects the virus C replication by lowering geranyl-geranyl, a intermediate in the cholesterol synthesis way. Because of these results we are asking if there isn't opportune the association of statins to the standard antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis with hepatitis C virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]