title: Analysis of the clinical characteristics and treatment of two patients with avian influenza virus (H7N9).
abstract: Avian influenza is one of the most dangerous contagions in poultry worldwide, and avian influenza A viruses are the major pathogens responsible. Outbreaks of H7N9, a strain of the avian influenza A virus H7 subtype, have increasingly been reported in several countries since 2007. This spring, H7N9 broke out in China and has thus far caused 24 cases of infection and 7 deaths. Recently, we treated two patients with H7N9 infection. The infection was characterized by respiratory symptoms, fever, rapid progression, and significant hypoxemia. Laboratory tests showed a low level or decrease in leukocytes, a drop in blood platelets, and an increase in myocardial enzymes and aspartate aminotransferase. Oseltamivir, anti-infective drugs, and immunoglobulin were administered. Supplemental oxygen or non-invasive mechanical ventilation helped to relieve symptoms. This report provides information on the clinical characteristics and treatment of two Chinese patients with H7N9.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.
authors.forename: Shuihua
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Xiuhong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Xi
authors.forename: Yufang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Ye
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: Xinian
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Hongzhou
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D064766:Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype / Q000502:physiology*; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000821:virology*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic