Comparing estimates of influenza-associated hospitalization and death among adults with congestive heart failure based on how influenza season is defined

2008

Influenza Risk in Heart Failure Patients

Sample size: 5448 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Carolyn Sandoval, Stephen D. Walter, Paul Krueger, Mark B. Loeb

Primary Institution: McMaster University

Hypothesis

How the influenza season is defined affects estimates of influenza-associated hospitalization and death among adults with congestive heart failure.

Conclusion

Estimates of influenza-attributable risk may vary depending on how influenza season is defined and the outcome being assessed.

Supporting Evidence

Hospitalization rates were higher during the influenza season compared to non-influenza seasons.
The adjusted risk of hospitalization was 8 to 10 percent higher during the influenza season.
Exposure to influenza was associated with a higher risk of death in some definitions used.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different ways of defining the flu season can change the numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in heart failure patients. It found that the way we define flu season really matters.

Methodology

The study used data from the SOLVD clinical database and national influenza surveillance data to compare four definitions of the influenza season and their impact on hospitalization and mortality rates.