title: Influenza A (H1N1)-associated pneumonia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the characteristics of patients with influenza A (H1N1)-associated pneumonia treated at two hospitals in the region of Liguria, Italy, as well as to describe their treatment and outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective observational study including all patients older than 16 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1) who were admitted to Villa Scassi Hospital, in the city of Genoa, Italy, or to the Sestri Levante General Hospital, in the city of Sestri Levante, Italy, between September of 2009 and January of 2010. The primary outcome measure was mortality within 60 days after diagnosis. Secondary outcome measures were the need for mechanical ventilation and the length of hospital stay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 40 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1), 27 presented pneumonia during the study period. The mean age of the 27 patients was 42.8 ± 14.8 years, and the mean length of hospital stay was 11.6 ± 8.2 days. Of the 27 patients, 20 had respiratory failure, 4 underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, and 5 underwent noninvasive ventilation. One patient had comorbidities, developed multiple organ failure, and died.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  During the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, the associated mortality rate was lower in Italy than in other countries, and cases reported in the country typically had a milder course than did those reported elsewhere. Nevertheless, 9 of our cases (33%) rapidly evolved to respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilation.
authors: Villa Scassi Hospital, Genoa, Italy. antonello.nicolini@fastwebnet.it
authors: Antonello
authors: A
authors: Nicolini
authors: Simonassi
authors: S
authors: Claudio
authors: Fabrizio
authors: F
authors: Rao
authors: Lorenzo
authors: L
authors: Ferrera
authors: Michele
authors: M
authors: Isetta
authors: Monica
authors: M
authors: Bonfiglio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult