Potentially inappropriate medications according to Marc, STOPP and PRISCUS criteria in a cohort of elderly HIV+ patients. The COMMPI project.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate drugs according to the Marc, STOPP, and PRISCUS lists in elderly HIV patients. METHODS: It was an observational, retrospective, and multicenter study. People living with HIV 65 years or older who underwent chronic concomitant treatment were included. Descriptive and multivariate analyzes were performed to study the association between polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication compliance. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were included, 81.8% men and a median age of 69 years (IQR: 67-73). The median number of comorbidities was 3 (IQR: 2-5) and the most frequent pattern of multimorbidity was cardiometabolic (62.9%). The predominant antiretroviral treatment was triple therapy (65.5%). Polypharmacy was present in 70.9% of the patients and 25.5% had major polypharmacy. The most frequent polypharmacy pattern was cardiovascular (69.2%). The percentage of potentially inappropriate medications according to the Marc, STOPP and PRISCUS lists was 65.5%, 30.9% and 14.5%, respectively (p<0.001). Adjusted for age and sex, polypharmacy was not independently associated with potentially inappropriate medication compliance in any of the lists. CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications have a high prevalence. There is great variability in the percentage according to the list applied. Age, sex, and presence of polypharmacy are not predisposing factors to the presence of potentially inappropriate medications.

Real life study of sacubitril valsartan combined therapy in chronic heart failure / Estudio en vida real de la terapia combinada de sacubitril valsartán en insuficiencia cardíaca crónica

Objectives: Sacubitril/valsartan is a drug for chronic heart failure (CHF), approved by Drugs Regulatory Agencies based on the results of the PARADIGM-HF, which could have several limitations on internal validity and applicability. Furthermore, this drug has a high economic impact. The objectives of this study are to evaluate effectiveness and safety of sacubitril/valsartan in CHF, as well as to evaluate adequation to use criteria stablished in a Health Management Area (HMA). Methods: Retrospective, observational study including adult patients with CHF who were receiving sacubitril/valsartan during 2017 in an HMA. The treatment effectiveness was assesed by death and/or hospitalization rates related to CHF. Frequency of adverse events was used to safety evaluation. Furthermore, adequation rate was assessed. Findings: A total of 68 patients were included. Death or hospitalization rates due to CHF at 12 months were 32.3% globally (2.9% and 29.4% respectively). Among patients analyzed, 33.8% presented hypotension, during the first year after treatment initiation. Overall adequation rate was 67.6%. Conclusions: A high percentage of death and/or hospitalization due to CHF was observed. Hypotension is a frequent adverse event which leads to dose adjustment and/or drug withdrawal. Overall adequation rate of sacubitril/valsartan prescription is acceptable. (AU)

Objetivos: El sacubitril/valsartán es un medicamento para la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica (ICC), aprobado por las agencias reguladoras de medicamentos en base a los resultados del ensayo pivotal PARADIGM-HF, que podría tener varias limitaciones en la validez interna y la aplicabilidad. Además, este fármaco tiene un alto impacto económico. Los objetivos de este estudio son evaluar la efectividad y la seguridad de sacubitril/valsartán en la ICC, así como evaluar la adecuación a los criterios establecidos en un Área de Gestión de Salud (AGS). Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluye pacientes adultos con ICC que recibieron sacubitril/valsartán durante 2017 en una AGS. La efectividad del tratamiento fue evaluada mediante la tasa de mortalidad y/o hospitalización relacionadas con la ICC. La frecuencia de los eventos adversos se utilizó para la evaluación de seguridad. Además, se evaluó la tasa de adecuación. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 68 pacientes. Las tasas de mortalidad u hospitalización por ICC a los 12 meses fueron del 32,3% a nivel global (2,9% y 29,4%, respectivamente). Entre los pacientes analizados, el 33,8% presentó hipotensión durante el primer año después del inicio del tratamiento. La tasa de adaptación global fue del 67,6%. Conclusiones: Se observó un alto porcentaje de muerte y/o hospitalización por ICC. La hipotensión es un evento adverso frecuente que conduce al ajuste de la dosis y/o a la retirada del medicamento. La tasa general de adecuación de la prescripción de sacubitril/valsartán es aceptable. (AU)

Influence of CMO pharmaceutical care model-based intervention on readmission rate in high risk HIV patients: the INFARDAR study.

OBJECTIVE: Many studies have indicated that hospitalization and readmissions occur frequently, especially among people living with HIV. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of a programmed and structured pharmaceutical intervention, based on "CMO PC model" to reduce the readmission rate in high-risk HIV patients. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective study based on a structured health intervention conducted between March-2017 and March-2018 with 12 months of follow-up at outpatient pharmacy services. At discharge, HIV patients included were classified according to the risk of readmission as low or high risk patients, being the latter proposed to participate. The selected patients were randomly assigned to a control group (usual care) or intervention group (including stratification-motivational interview and new technologies: CMO pharmaceutical care). The primary endpoint was readmission rate at one year of follow-up in each group. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients were included. As regards the main variable, in the intervention group, 21,4% (n=3) of patients were readmitted in the first year after discharge vs. 66,7% (n=6) in the control group (p=0,042). CONCLUSIONS: Tailored pharmaceutical care based on risk stratification, motivational interviewing, and new technologies has a positive influence to reduce the percentage of readmission in high risk HIV patients.

High level of medication regimen complexity index correlate with worse quality of life in people living with HIV.

OBJECTIVE: People living with HIV (PLWHIV) have now a near-normal life expectancy and thus, a higher risk of polypharmacy. The main objective was to assess the correlation between medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) and quality of life (EQ-5D) and health utilities among PLWHIV patients on ART. METHODS: Observational prospective single-center study including adult PLWHIV on ART from January to March-2020 attended at hospital pharmacy outpatient service according to a Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity (CMO) pharmaceutical care model. RESULTS: A total of 428 patients were included, mean age of 50 ± 10.9 years, 82.2% males. Negative correlation (r2=-0.147; p= 0.0002) between MRCI and EQ-5D was found. Relationship between the comorbidity pattern and quality of life, was also observed. Regarding MRCI, Anxiety/Depression, Pain/discomfort and Self-Care were the dimensions with the worst assessment. CONCLUSIONS: A new multidimensional revised care plan for PLWHIV focussed on optimising overall patient care, not limited to viral load goal achievement alone but also in their pharmacotherapeutic complexity and quality of life is needed.

Beliefs and attitudes about deprescription in older HIV-infected patients: ICARD Project.

OBJECTIVE: HIV population is aging at an earlier age than those uninfected, requiring more non-HIV medications to treat noncommunicable diseases. In the context of chronic HIV infection, the next therapeutic change would be the polymedication control. This paper has the purpose of explore the attitudes of older people living with HIV toward deprescribing. METHODS: This was an observational, prospective and multicenter study conducted from March-April, 2018. People living with HIV (PLWH) on highly active antiretroviral therapy and older than 65 years were included. In addition to demographic and pharmacotherapeutic data, attitudes regarding deprescribing were collected through the "Revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing Questionnaire". RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were included in this study. Regarding their attitudes in relation to deprescription, there were three statements with the most consensuses. The first ("I have a good understanding of the reasons I was prescribed each of my medicines") had 91.9% consensus. The second and third questions showed 89.2% consensus in both cases; "Overall, I am satisfied with my current medicines" and "I like to be involved in making decisions about my medicines with my doctors". CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to explore the beliefs and attitudes of older PLWH in relation to deprescription process. There are positive attitudes regarding medication knowledge but there also is a percentage of patients who had a negative opinion regarding deprescription. We must study and go deeper in our knowledge of techniques that could help us to better understand their preferences, in order to establish effective and successful deprescription strategies.

Ensayo clínico fase III para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del uso de plasma rico en plaquetas frente a ácido hialurónico en coxartrosis / Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, phase III, to evaluate the use of platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid in hip coxarthrosis

OBJETIVOS: Comparar la eficacia y seguridad de la infiltración de plasma rico en plaquetas preparado respecto a ácido hialurónico en pacientes con coxartrosis refractaria a tratamiento conservador. Así como correlacionar el impacto clínico entre las diferentes concentraciones celulares. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Ensayo clínico fase III, doble-ciego, controlado, en el que se aleatorizaron a los pacientes en dos grupos de tratamiento (PRP o AH) con una única infiltración de cadera ecoguiada. El seguimiento fue de 12 meses, registrando escala de dolor (EVA) y escalas funcionales (HHS y WOMAC), analgesia consumida, respondedores (criterios OARSI) y efectos adversos. Se analizaron, en el grupo experimental, las concentraciones celulares en sangre periférica y en el PRP infiltrado. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 74 pacientes. Ambos grupos de tratamiento presentaron mejoría en las escalas EVA, WOMAC, HHS y reducción del consumo de analgesia en el tiempo (p < 0,05). Únicamente encontramos diferencias significativas entre grupos al año de tratamiento en los valores de HHS (Grupo PRP 70,9 [3,7-58] grupo AH 60,2[43-74,2] p < 0,05). No se registraton efectos adversos en ninguno de los grupos. Encontramos correlación entre la concentración de plaquetas en pacientes respondedores (un mes postratamiento; no respondedores 449[438-578] x103 plaquetas/μl, respondedores 565 [481-666] x103 plaquetas/μl, p < 0,044). Se correlaciona la concentración de leucocitos con las escalas clínico-funcionales (EVA 6 meses, r=0,748, p < 0,013, subescala rigidez WOMAC 6 meses, r=0,748, p < 0,013). Los pacientes con estadios de coxartrosis iniciales (KL 1 y 2) tienen mayor probabilidad de responder al tratamiento con plasma rico en plaquetas (11,51 OR, IC 95% 2,34-50,65, p < 0,03). CONCLUSIONES: La infiltración única de PRP es eficaz en términos de mejoría funcional, reducción del dolor y disminución del consumo de analgesia en coxartrosis. Los sistemas de preparación abiertos, son un procedimiento seguro para la obtención de PRP. Se deben indicar las infiltraciones de cadera en estadios evolutivos iniciales. Se debe tener en cuenta la composición celular para garantizar una repuesta clínica positiva

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To compare efficacy and safety of a home-made platelet-rich plasma (PRP) solution versus hyaluronic acid in patients with hip osteoarthritis not responding to conservative treatment and to correlate cellular composition of PRP to clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a phase III clinical trial, double-blinded, controlled and randomised into two treatment groups (PRP and hyaluronic acid). Patients received one hip ultrasound-guided injection. Follow up was 12 months. Pain was assessed using VAS score, HHS and WOMAC were used as functional scores, analgesia, adverse events, cellular components (PRP group) in peripheral blood and in PRP were recorded. Clinical response was assessed using OARSI criteria. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included. Both groups improved in VAS, WOMAC and HHS score and reduced the amount of analgesia (p<.05). Significant differences were seen at 1 year post-treatment in HHS score (PRP 70.9 [3.7-58], hyaluronic acid 60.2[43-74.2] p<.05). No adverse events were observed in none of the groups. Platelet concentration was different between responders and non-responders (at 1 month, non-responders 449[438-578] x103 platelets/μl versus responders 565 [481-666] x103 platelets/μl, p<.044). There was a correlation between leukocytes concentration and clinical scores (VAS at six months, r=0.748, p<.013, WOMAC at 6 months r=0.748, p <.013). Patients with early stage hip OA showed higher response rate to PRP compared with late stage (11.51 OR, 95%CI 2.34-50.65, p<.03). CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich plasma injection improved hip function, reduced pain and the use of analgesia. It is important to bear in mind the cellular composition in order to achieve a better clinical response

Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, phase III, to evaluate the use of platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid in hip coxarthrosis. / Ensayo clínico fase III para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del uso de plasma rico en plaquetas frente a ácido hialurónico en coxartrosis.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To compare efficacy and safety of a home-made platelet-rich plasma (PRP) solution versus hyaluronic acid in patients with hip osteoarthritis not responding to conservative treatment and to correlate cellular composition of PRP to clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a phase III clinical trial, double-blinded, controlled and randomised into two treatment groups (PRP and hyaluronic acid). Patients received one hip ultrasound-guided injection. Follow up was 12 months. Pain was assessed using VAS score, HHS and WOMAC were used as functional scores, analgesia, adverse events, cellular components (PRP group) in peripheral blood and in PRP were recorded. Clinical response was assessed using OARSI criteria. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included. Both groups improved in VAS, WOMAC and HHS score and reduced the amount of analgesia (p<.05). Significant differences were seen at 1 year post-treatment in HHS score (PRP 70.9 [3.7-58], hyaluronic acid 60.2[43-74.2] p<.05). No adverse events were observed in none of the groups. Platelet concentration was different between responders and non-responders (at 1 month, non-responders 449[438-578] x103 platelets/µl versus responders 565 [481-666] x103 platelets/µl, p<.044). There was a correlation between leukocytes concentration and clinical scores (VAS at six months, r=0.748, p<.013, WOMAC at 6 months r=0.748, p <.013). Patients with early stage hip OA showed higher response rate to PRP compared with late stage (11.51 OR, 95%CI 2.34-50.65, p<.03). CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich plasma injection improved hip function, reduced pain and the use of analgesia. It is important to bear in mind the cellular composition in order to achieve a better clinical response.

Métodos estadísticos alternativos y su aplicación a la investigación en Cuidados Intensivos / Alternative statistical methods and their application to research in intensive care setting

En los estudios de casos y controles anidados, el muestreo de los controles se hace habitualmente por densidad de incidencia y mediante emparejamiento. Con respecto a los casos control clásicos, son más eficientes, permiten el cálculo de la incidencia de la enfermedad y cuentan con más validez interna por la menor presencia de sesgo. Las técnicas de riesgos competitivos pueden usarse si se estudian diferentes tipos de eventos y nos centramos en el tiempo y el tipo del primer evento. El particionamiento recursivo es un tipo de análisis multivariante cuyo propósito es la construcción de algoritmos de clasificación, especialmente útiles cuando hay un gran número de variables predictoras con relaciones complejas con el evento objeto de estudio

In nested case-control studies, sampling of controls is usually done by density of incidence and pairing. With regard to the classic control cases studies, nested ones are more efficient, allow the calculation of the incidence of the disease and they have more internal validity due to the lower presence of bias. Competitive risks techniques can be used if we study different types of events and focus on the time and type of the first event. Recursive partitioning is a type of multivariate analysis whose purpose is the construction of classification algorithms, and it is especially useful when there are a large number of predictive variables with complex relationships with the event

Alternative statistical methods and their application to research in intensive care setting. / Métodos estadísticos alternativos y su aplicación a la investigación en Cuidados Intensivos.

In nested case-control studies, sampling of controls is usually done by density of incidence and pairing. With regard to the classic control cases studies, nested ones are more efficient, allow the calculation of the incidence of the disease and they have more internal validity due to the lower presence of bias. Competitive risks techniques can be used if we study different types of events and focus on the time and type of the first event. Recursive partitioning is a type of multivariate analysis whose purpose is the construction of classification algorithms, and it is especially useful when there are a large number of predictive variables with complex relationships with the event.

Pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients: no diagnostic and prognostic value of different quantitative tracheal aspirates thresholds.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of pneumonia in ventilated patients is challenging due to the lack of specific and definitive clinical symptoms, laboratory data or radiological abnormalities. METHODS: Based on quantitative tracheal aspirate (QTA) results, three groups of patients were compared: <105 cfu/ml, ≥105 cfu/ml and <106 cfu/ml, and ≥106 cfu/ml. We recorded demographic variables, underlying diseases and severity of illness at ICU admission. On the day of pneumonia diagnosis, we registered temperature, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) and adequacy of empirical antimicrobial therapy. RESULTS: In 231 episodes, clinical presentation, laboratory data, severity of illness, CPIS, the presence of bacteremia and radiological score did not differ among the three groups. ICU and hospital mortalities were also similar in the three groups. Factors independently associated with in-hospital mortality were age, SOFA score and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. The bacterial burden in the QTA was not included in the model. CONCLUSIONS: Quantification of tracheal aspirate samples may not be necessary in ventilated patients clinically suspected of having nosocomial pneumonia.

The combined use of tigecycline with high-dose colistin might not be associated with higher survival in critically ill patients with bacteraemia due to carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of survival and treatment with colistin and tigecycline in critically ill patients with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteraemia. METHODS: An observational cohort study was carried out. Targeted therapy consisted of monotherapy with colistin (9 million UI/day) or combined therapy with colistin and tigecycline (100 g/day). The primary outcome was 30-day crude mortality. The association between combined targeted therapy and mortality was controlled for empirical therapy with colistin, propensity score of combined therapy and other potential confounding variables in a multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 118 cases were analysed. Seventy-six patients (64%) received monotherapy and 42 patients (36%) received combined therapy. The source of bacteraemia was primary in 18% (21/118) of the patients, ventilator-associated pneumonia in 64% (76/118) and other sources in 14% (16/118). The 30-day crude mortality rate was 62% (42/76) for monotherapy and 57% (24/42) for combined therapy. The variables associated with 30-day crude mortality were: Charlson index (hazard ratio (HR) 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.32; p 0.028), empirical therapy with colistin (HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.33-3.80; p 0.003) and renal dysfunction before treatment (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.01-3.61; p 0.045). Combined targeted therapy was not associated with lower adjusted 30-day crude mortality (adjusted HR 1.29, 95% CI 0.64-2.58; p 0.494). CONCLUSIONS: Combined targeted therapy with high-dose colistin and standard dose tigecycline was not associated with lower crude mortality of bacteraemia due to carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii in critically ill patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT02573064.

Global impact of an educational antimicrobial stewardship programme on prescribing practice in a tertiary hospital centre.

The misuse of antibiotics has been related to increased morbidity, mortality and bacterial resistance. The development of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) has been encouraged by scientific societies as an essential measure. An educational, institutionally supported ASP was developed in our tertiary-care centre. Local guidelines on the management of infectious syndromes were created. Antimicrobial prescriptions were chosen arbitrarily weekly and counselling interviews by expert clinicians were carried out, using a paedagogic, non-restrictive methodology. Satisfaction with the interview was assessed using anonymous questionnaires. The appropriateness of antimicrobial prescriptions as well as consumption was assessed prospectively throughout the year. Feedback regarding the correct use of treatments was communicated to each participating department periodically. The improvement in antimicrobial prescription was included among the annual objectives linked to economic incentives in every department. A total of 1206 counselling interviews were carried out during the first year. Fifty-three per cent of antimicrobial prescriptions (176/332) were inappropriate when the programme started. The rate of inappropriate prescriptions continuously declined to 26.4% (107/405) in the fourth trimester (p <0.001; RR = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.23-0.43). Antimicrobial consumption decreased from 1150 defined daily doses (DDDs) per 1000 occupied bed-days in the first trimester to 852 DDDs in the fourth, reflecting a reduction in antimicrobial expenditures of 42%. A total of 352 satisfaction questionnaires were received and 98% described the advice as positive. In conclusion, the implementation of an education-based ASP achieved a significant improvement in all antimicrobial prescriptions in the centre and a reduction in antimicrobial consumption, even when no restrictive measures were implemented. The programme was highly accepted by all prescribers.

De-escalation of empirical therapy is associated with lower mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

PURPOSES: We set out to assess the safety and the impact on in-hospital and 90-day mortality of antibiotic de-escalation in patients admitted to the ICU with severe sepsis or septic shock. METHODS: We carried out a prospective observational study enrolling patients admitted to the ICU with severe sepsis or septic shock. De-escalation was defined as discontinuation of an antimicrobial agent or change of antibiotic to one with a narrower spectrum once culture results were available. To control for confounding variables, we performed a conventional regression analysis and a propensity score (PS) adjusted-multivariable analysis. RESULTS: A total of 712 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock at ICU admission were treated empirically with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Of these, 628 were evaluated (84 died before cultures were available). De-escalation was applied in 219 patients (34.9%). By multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with in-hospital mortality were septic shock, SOFA score the day of culture results, and inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy, whereas de-escalation therapy was a protective factor [Odds-Ratio (OR) 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.93). Analysis of the 403 patients with adequate empirical therapy revealed that the factor associated with mortality was SOFA score on the day of culture results, whereas de-escalation therapy was a protective factor (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.33-0.89). The PS-adjusted logistic regression models confirmed that de-escalation therapy was a protective factor in both analyses. De-escalation therapy was also a protective factor for 90-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: De-escalation therapy for severe sepsis and septic shock is a safe strategy associated with a lower mortality. Efforts to increase the frequency of this strategy are fully justified.

Mortality and hospital stay related to coagulase-negative Staphylococci bacteremia in non-critical patients.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the morbidity and mortality related to coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) bacteremia in non-critical patients. METHODS: Prospective, matched case-control study nested in a cohort. Patients with CNS bacteremia and no other isolate in blood cultures during their admission were defined as cases. Each case was matched by age, sex and area of hospitalization to one control. A 30-day follow-up was performed. Mortality and hospital stay were defined as endpoints. RESULTS: 105 cases and 105 controls were included. All cases carried intravascular catheters at the time of inclusion. Cases presented higher mortality compared to controls (14.3% vs. 4.8%), although this association was not independent in a multivariate analysis (p = 0.11). CNS bacteremia was independently associated with longer hospital stay (mean 12 vs. 8.5 days, p = 0.008). Moreover, when patients with CNS bacteremia were specifically analyzed, the persistence of fever (p = 0.005) and inappropriate empirical treatment (p = 0.04) were independently related to mortality. CONCLUSION: We did not observe increased mortality attributable to CNS bacteremia, although it was associated with longer hospitalizations. Early appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy pending blood culture results might improve the outcome of patients with CNS bacteremia. Close follow-up is recommended if fever persists beyond 72 h.

Unexpected severity of cases of influenza B infection in patients that required hospitalization during the first postpandemic wave.

OBJECTIVES: After the last pandemic the knowledge regarding influenza A infection has improved however, the outcomes of influenza B infection remain poorly studied. The aim of this study was to compare the features of influenza B versus influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infections during the 2010-2011 epidemic-season. METHODS: A prospective, observational-cohort of adults with laboratory-confirmed influenza infection during the 2010-2011 epidemic-season was studied RESULTS: Fifty cases of influenza B and 80 of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection were enrolled. Among patients with influenza B, the median age was 34 years-old (23-64), 30% pregnant, 24% obese, 34% transplant recipients and 14% with bacterial co-infection. Twenty-eight percent of patients had pneumonia with alveolar localized pattern and five (10%) died. Pneumonia was associated with delayed antiviral therapy, older age, higher Charlson score, invasive mechanical ventilation and bacterial co-infection. Obesity and pregnancy were not associated with complicated influenza B infection. The proportion of pneumonia, admission to the ICU and mortality did not differ between cases of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B infection. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza B infection causes severe infection and it is associated with pneumonia or death, similar to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection. Rapid diagnosis and early antiviral therapy are necessary for managing influenza pneumonia during epidemic periods.