Excess Mortality and Hospitalizations Associated with Seasonal Influenza in Patients with Heart Failure (JACC December 2024-2)-Article: Excess Mortality and Hospitalizations Associated with Seasonal Influenza in Patients with Heart Failure

Article: Excess Mortality and Hospitalizations Associated with Seasonal Influenza in Patients with Heart Failure

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The study conducted by Daniel Modin and colleagues assesses the impact of seasonal influenza on mortality and hospitalizations among patients with heart failure in Denmark. It is established that people with heart failure are more susceptible to severe complications from influenza infections due to their reduced circulatory reserve and frequent comorbidities like ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The study's aim was to quantify the annual excess mortality and healthcare burden attributable to influenza in this high-risk group at the population level.<br /><br />Data from 2010 to 2018 were analyzed using a time series linear regression model, correlating weekly death and hospitalization rates among heart failure patients with influenza circulation rates derived from positive influenza samples at Danish hospitals. Variables such as mean temperatures and seasonal trends were included to refine the model's accuracy.<br /><br />The study found that influenza activity is linked with substantial morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients. Specifically, influenza caused an annual excess of approximately 250 all-cause deaths and 115 cardiovascular deaths among heart failure patients, corresponding to 2.6% and 2.9% of the respective total deaths in this group. Moreover, it contributed to an annual excess of 251 hospitalizations for pneumonia or influenza, accounting for about 5% of such hospitalizations among heart failure patients.<br /><br />These findings highlight the significant impact of influenza on morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients and underline the importance of preventive measures like vaccination. Despite current recommendations for influenza vaccination in such patients, coverage remains suboptimal, emphasizing a public health opportunity to mitigate these risks.<br /><br />In conclusion, the study strongly advocates for the increased use of influenza vaccinations among heart failure patients to reduce the excess healthcare burden during influenza seasons.

Keywords

heart failure

influenza

mortality

hospitalizations

Denmark

comorbidities

vaccination

public health

time series regression

healthcare burden