Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology,
Hospital de São João, Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto,
Portugal
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Gustavo Rocha, M.D., Department of
Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Hospital de São João, Faculty of
Medicine of Porto University, 4202-451, Porto, Portugal. Tel.: +351 2255512100;
extension 1949; Fax: +351 225512273; E-mail: gusrocha@oninet.pt
Abstract: Since April 2009 in Mexico, a novel influenza virus A (H1N1) of
swine origin has emerged as a cause of disease in humans, and has rapidly
spread worldwide, declared a pandemic on June 11. Oseltamivir is the only
anti-viral agent available for influenza virus in young children, with no
proven efficacy and safety in infants and newborns. The authors report their
experience with oseltamivir use for term and preterm neonates, during an
outbreak of influenza virus A (H1N1) in a level III neonatal intensive care
unit, from November 28 to December 7, 2009. Fifteen hospitalized high risk
neonates of non-vaccinated mothers, 6 males and 9 females; gestational age 34
weeks (24–40 weeks); birth weight 1873 g (530–3310 g); 12 became infected
with influenza virus A (H1N1); two were (17%) symptomatic. Infection control
measures were adopted and oseltamivir was administered after parental consent;
for prophylactic use in three (3 mg/kg once a day, 10 days); and therapeutic
use in 12 (3 mg/kg twice a day, 5 days). No fatal cases occurred. No adverse
effects were reported. The outcome was favorable and the outbreak controlled.
The majority of patients infected with influenza virus A (H1N1) were
asymptomatic, and no fatal cases were documented. Oseltamivir was not
associated with evident short-term adverse effects, and it may have helped to
control the epidemic and lessened the severity of illness in affected infants.
Keywords: Newborn, oseltamivir, influenza virus A (H1N1)
