Antiviral therapy for influenza in high-risk outpatients: a multicenter observational study of routine clinical practice in Russia.

BACKGROUND

Influenza is a significant public health challenge, characterized by severe disease progression and considerable societal burden. Patients at high risk of influenza-related complications require special attention in routine clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the effects of antiviral treatments for influenza on the incidence of bacterial complications, adverse events, and disease duration in high-risk outpatients.

DESIGN

Multicenter, non-interventional, observational cohort study.

METHODS

The study was conducted during the 2023-2024 influenza epidemic season and included 1867 high-risk outpatients treated with oseltamivir, umifenovir, kagocel, or imidazolyl ethanamide pentanedioic acid.

RESULTS

Bacterial complications occurred in 18.87% (n = 335) of high-risk patients, with 17.41% (n = 309) requiring antibacterial therapy. The hospitalization rate was 1.24% (n = 22), and the average disease duration was 8 days. The incidence of bacterial complications varied among treatment groups: oseltamivir (18.96%, n = 102), umifenovir (12.17%%, n = 51), kagocel (22.00%%, n = 110), and imidazolyl ethanamide pentanedioic acid (22.64%%, n = 72). Adverse events were reported in 4.76% (n = 84) of patients, most commonly gastrointestinal disorders (91.67%, n = 77), followed by allergic reactions (8.33%, n = 7). The incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in the oseltamivir group compared to other treatments.

CONCLUSION

The etiotropic agents oseltamivir and umifenovir demonstrated comparable efficacy in managing influenza in high-risk patients, as reflected by their impact on bacterial complication rates and disease duration. Both drugs may be recommended for the treatment of high-risk influenza patients.