[Neuraminidase inhibitors and high risk of influenza complications: considered and widely-supported recommendations].
It has been suggested that it is unwise to employ neuraminidase inhibitors in order to diminish the risk of influenza-related complications in cases of infection with the new influenza A(H1N1). However, the major argument, i.e. that the beneficial effects shown in the published evidence may be due to age differences between treatment and placebo groups, can easily be refuted. The Netherlands' policy to limit treatment to those patient groups who are considered at high risk of influenza complications is a sound one. In addition, it is endorsed by recent guidelines of the WHO and CDC.
van Dissel
Jaap T
JT
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Infectieziekten, Leiden, The Netherlands. j.t.van_dissel@lumc.nl
Coutinho
Roel A
RA
van der Sande
Marianne A B
MA
D000367:Age Factors; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D053139:Oseltamivir / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States; D014944:World Health Organization
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D053139:Oseltamivir; D009439:Neuraminidase