[A multicenter study of efficacy and safety of oseltamivir in the treatment of suspected influenza patients]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oseltamivir in the treatment of suspected influenza patients.

Methods: A randomized, open, control and multiple center trial was conducted among 1176 individuals with suspected influenza. They were randomized either to oseltamivir group (oseltamivir 75 mg, twice daily for 5 days) or control group who were given symptom relief medicine.

Results: No difference was found between two groups in influenza symptoms of the patients (P > 0.05) before the treatment. (1) Oseltamivir treatment significantly reduced the duration of fever about 25 hours post treatment. (2) The AUC score of other symptoms was decreased by 160.21 (about 30.21%), and the duration was shorten by 20 hours. (3) The ratio and duration of antibiotic use in oseltamivir group were less than that of control group (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05). (4) The incident rate of second generation influenza in oseltamivir group was also less than that of control group (P < 0.0001). (5) Secondary complications such as bronchitis, sinusitis and pneumonia occurred 3.23% in Oseltamivir group and 4.16% in the control group (chi(2) = 1.209, P = 0.272). (6) Digestive symptom such as light nausea were occur in patients who took oseltamivir, there was no difference of side effects rate between two groups (5.18% and 4.16%, chi(2) = 0.680, P = 0.410). (7) 75.68% (28) were confirmed with positive result of virus test in 37 suspected influenza patients.

Conclusion: Our data suggests that Oseltamivir is effective and well tolerated in suspected influenza patients. It can reduces the duration and severity of influenza symptom and fever, decrease the incidence of suspected influenza in the contacted population, antibiotic using, and with light side-effect.