Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Experiences in 2 Serious Cases of Influenza A (H5N6) Virus Infection

Abstract

Jian Liao, Xi Liu, Jianming Li, Lijiao Zeng, Zheng Yang, Jing Yuan and Boping Zhou

Since April 2014, a fatal human infection with a novel reassortant H5N6 avian influenza virus was identified in China. Eight of 10 patients died from this virus. Two H5N6 patients were hospitalized in Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital in China, with one patient recovered. Here, we describe their clinical characteristics and treatment strategies. We suggest these strategies in the early stage may be important for severe avian influenza patients, including early combined antiviral therapy, oxygen therapy and ventilator support treatment, short-term usage of low-dose corticosteroid and appropriate immune globulin and keeping negative fluid balance in the progression period.