Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Soffried, M.
Renal complications in severe PCR confirmed influenza A and B infections (sInfABInf ) treated at intensive care units (ICU) in Styria between 2009 to 2021
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2023. pp. 62
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Flick Holger
- Prattes Jürgen
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- Abstract:
- Goals. Austria has one of the lowest vaccination rates against influenza A and B in Europe, while the incidence rate of chronic kidney disease is increasing. At the same time, chronic kidney disease is a significant risk factor for a prognostically unfavourable course of influenza A infection. Our study pursues the important goal of finding and quantifying statements about the risk factors in the context of acute kidney failure during treatment in an intensive care unit. For this purpose, we analyse the epidemiologically available data of patients who were treated with a PCR-confirmed influenza A or B infection an intensive care units in Styria. Methods. As methodology we choose the design of a retrospective study, where we evaluate clinical data and laboratory parameters of the patients. In total, we analyzed 111 patients. The basis of this study was the data collection of Matthias Funck, whose diploma thesis „PCR confirmed influenza A and B infections treated at the intensive care unit of the Department of Internal Medicine of the Medical University of Graz between 2009 and 2020“ considered a cardiological focus. In our study we focus especially on renal function. Results. In our retrospective study, we were able to show that acute renal failure occurs frequently in sInfABInf (in approximately 30 percent of cases), tends to be associated with an increased risk of lethality, but does not prolong the length of stay in the intensive care unit or hospital. Acute renal failure was particularly common in patients with pre-existing immunosuppression or heart failure. C-Reactive Protein was tended to be elevated in patients with acute renal failure, indicating a possible increased rate of severe secondary infections. However, this finding was not significant. Patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency tended to have a longer length of hospital stay during their sInfABInf than patients without pre-existing renal insufficiency. Discussion. Despite all limitations (small number of patients, retrospective study design, gaps in the collection of clinical data with partly incomplete clinical documentation) we could show that severe influenza infections can not only lead to severe cardiopulmonary but also to relevant renal complications. Further research is needed to investigate these important issues. Patients with renal insufficiency are therefore recommended to receive annual influenza vaccination.