title: Oseltamivir use in low-birth weight infants during the 2009 nH1N1 influenza a outbreak in the Western Cape, South Africa.
abstract: Before vaccination against nH1N1 influenza was available in South Africa our hospital experienced an outbreak of nH1N1 infection on the maternal and neonatal platform. Oseltamivir was administered to nine low birth weight infants, five for therapy and four for prophylaxis. The median gestational age was 31 (27-37) weeks and the birth weight was 1660 (720-2360) g. Respiratory function improved in those with confirmed disease and none receiving prophylaxis developed worsening respiratory symptoms. One neonate receiving prophylaxis developed self-limiting conjunctivitis; another succumbed from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) three days post completion of oseltamivir treatment. A causal relationship between oseltamivir and NEC, although unlikely, cannot be confirmed or excluded.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Children's Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. sandi@sun.ac.za
authors.forename: Sandi L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Holgate
authors.forename: Adrie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bekker
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rabie
authors.forename: Mark F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Cotton
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D053139:Oseltamivir / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013019:South Africa; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D053139:Oseltamivir