Retrospective analysis of viral pneumonia cases due to pandemic H3N2

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate clinical, laboratory, radiological and demographic data of H3N2 pneumonia cases admitted to Pulmonology department during H3N2 pandemic season and compare with non-H3N2 community acquired pneumonia (CAP) cases. Methods: The study population consisted of all CAP cases admitted to our Pulmonology department between December 2013 – February 2014 influenza season. The patient files were evaluated for physical findings, laboratory data, radiological findings, treatment and outcome of cases. H3N2 was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of throat swabs. The clinical, radiological and laboratory findings of H3N2 pneumonia cases were compared with non-H3N2 pneumonia cases. Mann Whitney U, Ki-square, Fisher9s exact, logistic regression analysis by forward stepwise method were used for statistical analyses. P value Results: During H3N2 pandemic season, 69 cases were diagnosed as CAP; 62 (89,8%) were non-H3N2 CAP, 7(10,2%) were H3N2 pneumonia. The demographic data, CURB-65, PSI scores, clinical, radiological and laboratory findings of two gorups were similar (p>0,05). The rates of treatment failure and/or transport to intensive care unit with need of invasive mechanical ventilation were significantly higher in H3N2 group (71,4% vs. 25,8%, p=0,024; OR: 7,18; 95%CI: 1,26 – 40,77). Mortality rates were similar in both groups ((p>0.05). Conclusion: The need of MV and intensive care treatment is more frequent in H3N2 pneumonia cases. Correct diagnosis, close follow-up and intensive care support is of vital importance in patients admitted due to CAP during influenza season and suspected to have viral pneumonia.