Patients with influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 admitted to the ICU. Impact of the recommendations of the SEMICYUC

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the impact of the recommendations of the SEMICYUC (2012) on severe influenza A. Design A prospective multicenter observational study was carried out. Setting ICU. Patients Patients infected with severe influenza A (H1N1) from the GETGAG/SEMICYUC registry. Interventions Analysis of 2 groups according to the epidemic period of the diagnosis (2009–2011; 2013–2015). Variables Demographic, temporal, comorbidities, severity, treatments, mortality, late diagnosis and place of acquisition. Results A total of 2205 patients were included, 1337 (60.6%) in the first period and 868 (39.4%) in the second one. Age and severity on admission were significantly greater in the second period, as well as co-infection. With regard to the impact of the recommendations, in the second period the diagnosis was established earlier (70.8 vs. 61.1%, p p p p p Conclusions The management of patients with severe influenza A (H1N1) has changed over the years, though without changes in mortality. The recommendations of the SEMICYUC (2012) have allowed earlier diagnosis and improved corticosteroid use. Pending challenges are the delay in treatment, the vaccination rate and the use of NIMV.