Analysis of the clinical characteristics and treatment of two patients with avian influenza virus (H7N9).

Avian influenza is one of the most dangerous contagions in poultry worldwide, and avian influenza A viruses are the major pathogens responsible. Outbreaks of H7N9, a strain of the avian influenza A virus H7 subtype, have increasingly been reported in several countries since 2007. This spring, H7N9 broke out in China and has thus far caused 24 cases of infection and 7 deaths. Recently, we treated two patients with H7N9 infection. The infection was characterized by respiratory symptoms, fever, rapid progression, and significant hypoxemia. Laboratory tests showed a low level or decrease in leukocytes, a drop in blood platelets, and an increase in myocardial enzymes and aspartate aminotransferase. Oseltamivir, anti-infective drugs, and immunoglobulin were administered. Supplemental oxygen or non-invasive mechanical ventilation helped to relieve symptoms. This report provides information on the clinical characteristics and treatment of two Chinese patients with H7N9.