Background: The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus was first identified in April 2009 and rapidly evolved into a pandemic. There are limited reports of 2009 H1N1 influenza in transplant recipients. We report on our experience with hospitalized transplant recipients with 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.
Methods: Ongoing review of hospitalized 2009 H1N1 influenza cases identified six patients who had received transplants. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were abstracted from the medical record.
Results: Between April 27 and November 30, 2009, 29 patients with influenza A virus were admitted to the Mayo Clinic Hospital. Six of the 29 patients were transplant recipients; 4 were confirmed to have 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Most patients presented with an acute febrile respiratory illness. Duration of antiviral treatment was 5 to 7 days except for one patient who was treated for 11 days until withdrawal of care. Prolonged viral shedding was not noted, and the patients recovered promptly except for a patient with recalcitrant multiple myeloma who died because of the disease.
Conclusion: 2009 H1N1 influenza disease in this cohort of hospitalized transplant recipients was relatively mild. The majority of the patients improved promptly, and prolonged viral shedding was not noted.