Risk Factors for Severe Outcomes Following H1N1 Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Van Kerkhove Maria D., Vandemaele Katelijn A. H., Shinde Vivek, Jaramillo-Gutierrez Giovanna, Koukounari Artemis, Donnelly Christl A., Carlino Luis O., Owen Rhonda, Paterson Beverly, Pelletier Louise, Vachon Julie, Gonzalez Claudia, Hongjie Yu, Zijian Feng, Chuang Shuk Kwan, Au Albert, Buda Silke, Krause Gerard, Haas Walter, Bonmarin Isabelle, Taniguichi Kiyosu, Nakajima Kensuke, Shobayashi Tokuaki, Takayama Yoshihiro, Sunagawa Tomi, Heraud Jean Michel, Orelle Arnaud, Palacios Ethel, van der Sande Marianne A. B., Wielders C. C. H. Lieke, Hunt Darren, Cutter Jeffrey, Lee Vernon J., Thomas Juno, Santa-Olalla Patricia, Sierra-Moros Maria J., Hanshaoworakul Wanna, Ungchusak Kumnuan, Pebody Richard, Jain Seema, Mounts Anthony W.
Primary Institution: World Health Organization
Hypothesis
What are the risk factors associated with severe outcomes in patients infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?
Conclusion
The study found that chronic illnesses, cardiac disease, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes are significant risk factors for severe outcomes in H1N1 infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Approximately 70,000 hospitalized patients were analyzed.
- Patients with chronic conditions had higher rates of severe outcomes.
- Obesity was identified as a potential risk factor for ICU admission.
- Pregnant women in their third trimester were at higher risk.
- Data were collected from 19 countries, providing a global perspective.
- Risk factors for severe H1N1 infection were similar to those for seasonal influenza.
- Age was a significant factor, with older patients at higher risk of death.
- Two-thirds of hospitalized patients did not have any identified chronic illness.
Takeaway
This study looked at a lot of sick people with the flu and found that those with other health problems, like heart disease or diabetes, were more likely to get really sick.
Methodology
Data were collected from 19 countries on hospitalized patients with severe H1N1 infection from April 2009 to January 2010.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to incomplete data and varying definitions of risk factors across countries.
Limitations
Differences in surveillance systems and case management policies across countries may affect the comparability of data.
Participant Demographics
Patients from 19 countries, with a median age that increased with severity of disease.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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