The possibilities of using oseltamivir in children in modern conditions: clinical practice

Abstract

According to statistics, the acute respiratory diseases incidence in the paediatric population is much higher than in the adult population, due to immature immune system, beginning of active contacts in organized groups, and often the lack of habits and skills in sanitary hygiene. Given the anatomical and physiological features, children often have more pronounced symptoms, which causes not only a faster visit to a doctor, but also more reports of polypharmacy in paediatric practice. The article presents a detailed differential diagnosis of acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza and COVID-19, according to the leading clinical symptoms and syndromes. The possibilities and features of the action of the main drugs used for the treatment of influenza and ARVI in children’s practice – oseltamivir, umifenovir and interferon alpha-2b are described. Using clinical examples, the tactics of choosing a treatment regimen in the routine work of a pediatrician, taking into account the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in modern conditions, are considered. The advantages of using oseltamivir for influenza in children are shown. The first clinical case report: a 6-year-old child diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection: acute nasopharyngitis, clinical and epidemiological diagnosis – moderate to severe influenza. Severe fever and leukopenia syndrome on the third day of illness pointed to the possibility of disease progression and the development of complications, which justified selection of oseltamivir as the most effective and well-established anti-influenza drug. The second clinical case report: a 3-yearold child diagnosed with acute upper respiratory infection: acute nasopharyngitis, clinical and epidemiological diagnosis – influenza. High-grade fever, severe neutrophilia in the absence of elevated levels of leukocytes, a high level of C-reactive protein in the absence of signs of bacterial infection, determined the choice of oseltamivir. The practical administration of oseltamivir demonstrates reduction in the risk of developing severe influenza, reversing the intoxication syndrome and other manifestations of influenza, as well as prevention of the development of complications, if used in a timely manner.