Neuraminidase inhibitors in the management of influenza--experience of an outpatient practice.
The neuraminidase inhibitors signifies a breakthrough in the treatment of influenza. We compared the outcomes of influenza in 56 patients treated with zanamivir or oseltamivir to a group of 52 influenza patients from the time before these drugs were available. The duration of illness was reduced by 45%, the severity of symptoms by 40% and the administration of antibiotics by 32%. The data from this small group of patients of our ambulatory practice correspond to the results of large randomized placebo-controlled double-blind studies on zanamivir and oseltamivir. Our clinical observations and painful experiences have taught us to take every case of suspected influenza seriously. Since considerable influenza-related complications are common even in otherwise healthy individuals, patients should immediately consult their doctor when an illness with sudden onset of fever and cough or another respiratory symptom occur.
Vogel
Georg E
GE
Practice for Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Stievestrasse 5, 80638 Munich, Germany. Profvogel@t-online.de
D000081:Acetamides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis; D006146:Guanidines; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D053139:Oseltamivir; D011714:Pyrans; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053243:Zanamivir
D000081:Acetamides; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D006146:Guanidines; D011714:Pyrans; D012794:Sialic Acids; D053139:Oseltamivir; D005340:Fibrinogen; D009439:Neuraminidase; D053243:Zanamivir