Surveillance of hospitalizations with pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza infection in Queensland, Australia

Authors

  • Hai Phung Communicable Diseases Branch, Queensland Health, Brisbane Queensland, Australia and School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
  • Frank Beard
  • Christine Selvey
  • Ranil Appuhamy
  • Frances Birrell

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2010.1.1.013

Abstract

Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 infection in Queensland, Australia between 25 May and 3 October 2009 and to examine the relationship between timing of antiviral treatment and severity of illness.

Method: Using data from the Queensland Health EpiLog information system, descriptive analysis and logistic regression modelling were used to describe and model factors which influence patient outcomes (death, admission to intensive care unit and/or special care unit). Data on patients admitted to hospital in Queensland with confirmed pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 infection were included in this analysis.

Results: 1236 patients with pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 infection were admitted to hospitals in Queensland during the study period. Of the total group: 15% were admitted to an intensive care unit or special care unit; 3% died; 34% were under the age of 18 years and 8% were 65 years of age or older; and 55% had at least one underlying medical condition. Among the 842 patients for whom data were available regarding the use of antiviral drugs, antiviral treatment was initiated in 737 (87.5%) patients with treatment commencing at a median of one day
(range 1–33 days) after onset of illness. Admission to an intensive care unit or special care unit (ICU/SCU) or death was significantly associated with increased age, lack of timeliness of antiviral treatment, chronic renal disease and morbid obesity.

Discussion: Early antiviral treatment was significantly associated with lower likelihood of ICU/SCU admission or death. Early antiviral treatment for influenza cases may therefore have important public health implications.

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How to Cite

1.
Phung H, Beard F, Selvey C, Appuhamy R, Birrell F. Surveillance of hospitalizations with pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza infection in Queensland, Australia. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2013 May 30 [cited 2026 Mar. 22];2(2). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/120

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2011): April – June

Section

Other topic - Original Research

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