tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Protecting Pediatric Oncology Patients From Influenza
doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0401
Leslie S. Kersuna,
Anne F. Reillya,
Susan E. Coffinb and
Kathleen E. Sullivanc
+ Author Affiliations
aDivisions of Oncology,
bInfectious Diseases, and
cAllergy Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children?s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Correspondence: Kathleen E. Sullivan, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Allergy Immunology, 3615 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Telephone: 215-590-1697; Fax: 267-426-0363; E-mail: sullivak@mail.med.upenn.edu
Received October 9, 2012.
Accepted January 10, 2013.
Disclosures: The authors reported no financial relationships.
Abstract
Influenza is a common respiratory pathogen. Its severity can be unpredictable, but people with chronic illness are at increased risk of severe infection, complications, and death from influenza. This review examines evidence to support various strategies to protect pediatric oncology patients from influenza-related morbidity. Influenza vaccination should be considered standard. Additional evidence-supported measures include antiviral treatment, antiviral prophylaxis, cohorting of patients, and hospital infection control measures. Data from other high-risk populations support the vaccination of family members, double-dose or high-dose vaccination, and the use of barrier methods. These measures have the potential to optimize patient outcomes because there will be fewer treatment interruptions for acute illness. These strategies can also protect patients from prolonged hospitalizations and morbidity related to influenza.
http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/early/2013/01/30/theoncologist.2012-0401.short
doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0401
Leslie S. Kersuna,
Anne F. Reillya,
Susan E. Coffinb and
Kathleen E. Sullivanc
+ Author Affiliations
aDivisions of Oncology,
bInfectious Diseases, and
cAllergy Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children?s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Correspondence: Kathleen E. Sullivan, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Allergy Immunology, 3615 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Telephone: 215-590-1697; Fax: 267-426-0363; E-mail: sullivak@mail.med.upenn.edu
Received October 9, 2012.
Accepted January 10, 2013.
Disclosures: The authors reported no financial relationships.
Abstract
Influenza is a common respiratory pathogen. Its severity can be unpredictable, but people with chronic illness are at increased risk of severe infection, complications, and death from influenza. This review examines evidence to support various strategies to protect pediatric oncology patients from influenza-related morbidity. Influenza vaccination should be considered standard. Additional evidence-supported measures include antiviral treatment, antiviral prophylaxis, cohorting of patients, and hospital infection control measures. Data from other high-risk populations support the vaccination of family members, double-dose or high-dose vaccination, and the use of barrier methods. These measures have the potential to optimize patient outcomes because there will be fewer treatment interruptions for acute illness. These strategies can also protect patients from prolonged hospitalizations and morbidity related to influenza.
http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/early/2013/01/30/theoncologist.2012-0401.short