Statistical Study of Clinical Predictors of Influenza A (H1N1) in Iran

Influenza A (H1N1) has common signs and symptoms with other respiratory tract infections, but due to heavy socioeconomic burden of influenza A (H1N1), consideration of some symptoms to start the treatment on the proper time is an especial important point. On the other hand, these symptoms and signs may be depended on regional weather conditions or genetic traits of Iranian people.. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the findings of this re-emerging infectious disease in Iran. Timely diagnosis with regard to the factor whether the findings vary within regions- is helpful with early treatment, better patient''s outcome and more effective prevention..Patients and We have analyzed clinical symptoms and risk factors and duration of hospitalization of patients who had been referred to Ali-Asghar hospital in Fars province between October 26, 2009 and February 16, 2010.. RT PCR test has been conducted on 371 probable patients and found 46 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1). The most common symptoms in these cases were cough, dyspnea, chill, myalgia and fever. There was not any significant correlation between these symptoms or symptoms with low prevalence or suggested symptoms by WHO or CDC or ILI with negative and positive PCR results.. Among confirmed patients with influenza A (H1N1), the most common symptoms were sequentially cough, dyspnea, chill and myalgia. PCR did not show high sensitivity in diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1) infection. The risk factor with the highest prevalence was heart disease followedby cigarette smoking and hematologic disorder. The mean age of these patients was about 38..