Late Breaking Abstract - Characterization of hospitalized patients with Influenza: a retrospective study

Introduction: Influenza can be associated with large numbers of hospitalizations and have a substantial health impact. Aims: To identify clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with Influenza hospitalized patients in the 2016/17 season. Methods: Patients admitted in a tertiary hospital with laboratory confirmed Influenza between October 1st 2016 and March 31st 2017. Demographic and clinical data were collected by chart review. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS Software. Results: 82 hospital admissions corresponding to 81 patients (53,1% male; mean age 77,7±12,4 years); 93,9% occurred in December and January and mean length of hospital stay was 10±8,8 days. The main comorbidities found were COPD (33%), chronic heart failure (29,6%), diabetes (27,1%) and chronic kidney disease (18,5%); 51,9% had smoking history and 40,2% were vaccinated for seasonal influenza. Dyspnoea and fever were the most frequent manifestations (85,4 and 36,6%, respectively) and the mean length of symptoms before admission was 5,6 days; 19 pneumonias and 2 viral myocarditis were observed. Intermediate/intensive care admission was needed in 22 – 91% of which required ventilatory support. Antiviral treatment was given in 25,6%. Twelve patients died (75% male; mean age 82,5±9 years) – there was a three fold odds of mortality for men (OR 3,0, 95% CI) and a statistically significant relation between PaO2 levels on admission and risk of death. Although with no statistical significance, age and RCP means were higher in deceased patients when compared to the general group. Conclusions: Identification of characteristics associated with hospitalization can help in early diagnosis and mortality reduction.