Published in:
01-06-2006 | Clinical Commentary
Avian influenza (H5N1): implications for intensive care
Authors:
Pascale C. Gruber, Charles D. Gomersall, Gavin M. Joynt
Published in:
Intensive Care Medicine
|
Issue 6/2006
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Abstract
Background
As influenza A/H5N1 spreads around the globe the risk of an epidemic
increases.
Discussion
Review of the cases of influenza A/H5N1 reported to date demonstrates that
it causes a severe illness, with a high proportion of patients (63%)
requiring advanced organ support. Of these approx. 68% develop multiorgan
failure, at least 54% develop acute respiratory distress syndrome, and
90% die. Disease progression is rapid, with a median time from
presentation to hospital to requirement for advanced organ support of only
2 days.
Conclusion
The infectious nature, severity and clinical manifestations of the disease
and its potential for pandemic spread have considerable implications for
intensive care in terms of infection control, patient management, staff
morale and intensive care expansion.