Management of swine-flu patients in the intensive care unit: Our experience

BACKGROUND: H1N1 pandemic in 2009–2010 created a state of panic not only in India, but in the whole world. The clinical picture seen with H1N1 is different from the seasonal influenza involving healthy young adults. Critical care management of such patients imposes a challenge for anesthesiologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of hospitalized positive H1N1 patients was performed from July 2009–June 2010. Those requiring the ventilatory support were included in the study. RESULT: 54 patients were admitted in the swine-flu ward during the study period out of which 19 required ventilatory support. The average day of presentation to the health care facility was 6(th) day causing delay in initiation of antiviral therapy and increased severity of the disease. 65% of the ventilated patients were having associated comorbidities. Mortality was 74% among ventilated patients. CONCLUSION: Positive H1N1 with severe disease profile have a poor outcome. Early identification of high-risk factors and thus early intervention in the form of antiretroviral therapy and respiratory care will help in reducing the overall mortality.