Open AccessAntivirals for influenza: a summary of a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Author(s) -
Santesso Nancy,
Hsu Jonathan,
Mustafa Reem,
Brozek Jan,
Chen Yao Long,
Hopkins Jessica P.,
Cheung Adrienne,
Hovhannisyan Gayane,
Ivanova Liudmila,
Flottorp Signe A.,
Sæterdal Ingvil,
Wong Arthur D.,
Tian Jinhui,
Uyeki Timothy M.,
Akl Elie A.,
AlonsoCoello Pablo,
Smaill Fiona,
Schünemann Holger J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12085
Subject(s) - observational study , zanamivir , medicine , randomized controlled trial , meta analysis , oseltamivir , intensive care medicine , systematic review , medline , covid-19 , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , political science , law
Despite the use of antivirals to treat patients with severe influenza, questions remain with respect to effects and safety. Although a recent systematic review has provided some indication of benefit, the analysis is limited by the quality of the available evidence from randomized controlled trials. To supplement the existing information, the authors conducted a systematic review of observational studies of antiviral treatment for influenza. This report summarises the findings of that review. Similar to the randomised trials, the confidence in the estimates of the effects for decision‐making is low to very low primarily due to the risk of selection and publication bias in the observational studies. From these observational studies, the summary estimates suggest that oseltamivir may reduce mortality, hospitalisation and duration of symptoms compared with no treatment. Inhaled zanamivir may also reduce symptom duration and hospitalisations, but patients may experience more complications compared with no treatment. Earlier treatment with antivirals is generally associated with better outcomes than later treatment. Further high‐quality evidence is needed to inform treatment guidelines because of the overall low to very low quality of evidence.