Nucleoside analogues for the treatment of influenza: history and experience

Abstract

Aim. In this study we retrospectively evaluated the clinical effectiveness and safety of nucleoside analogues (Triazavirin© and ribavirin) with that of oseltamivir for treating moderate severe influenza in adults. Materials and methods. We have used data from 191 health records of patients with moderate severe PCR confirmed influenza A and B. Control group included 57 patients treated with oseltamivir, comparison groups – 53 and 81 patients, who received Triazavirin© and ribavirin accordingly. We compared infectious intoxication syndrome duration, fever duration, duration of acute rhinitis, acute pharyngitis, acute laryngitis, acute tracheitis, acute bronchitis, cough duration as well as pneumonia occurrence. Results. No statistically significant difference in the duration of developed syndromes in Triazavirin©-treated group and oseltamivir-treated group were observed. We have noticed that fever duration had been significantly longer in ribavirin group compared to control group (4,1±2,22 days vs. 3,1±1,94 days, p<0,05) as well as more frequent pneumonia occurrence (1,2% vs. 0,0%, p>0,05). Conclusion. New nucleoside analogue Triazavirin© showed good efficacy and safety profile in adult patients with influenza. This fact provides the opportunity to recommend it for treatment of influenza along with neuraminidase inhibitors.