Abstract

CABELLO, A et al. Factors associated to mortality in the influenza H1N1 pandemic in Paraguay in 2009 . Mem. Inst. Investig. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2011, vol.9, n.1, pp.5-12. ISSN 1812-9528.

The presence of pre-existing medical conditions has been associated with mortality related to influenza A virus (H1N1). Our objective was to determine the risk factors associated to mortality in suspected cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Paraguay. Clinical and epidemiological data were obtained through the surveillance system of influenza A (H1N1) established in the country by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare on April 28, 2009. Up to January 30, 2010, 8,303 suspected cases of influenza A (H1N1) were reported to the Dirección General de Vigilancia de la Salud. Bivariate as well as the multivariate analyses identified the following mortality risk factors: obesity (p<0.022, OR:13.5), pregnancy (p <0.001, OR: 11.0), diabetes mellitus (p= 0.006; OR:5.7); cardiovascular disease (p = 0.002; OR:4.6), male sex (p<0.0001, OR:3.0); age older than 60 years (p <0.008, OR:2.9), not been vaccinated against seasonal influenza virus during 2009 (p<0.023; OR:2.6). Pregnancy as a mortality risk factor for viral influenza infections was seen in other influenza pandemics, but no obesity, which has been reported by several countries as a risk factor for severe complication of A (H1N1) virus infection in the last pandemic. This association deserves the development of research studies that allow a better promotional, preventive and therapeutical approach of obese people.

Keywords : risk factors; influenza H1N1; mortality; pandemic.

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