Acute influenza in previously healthy young adults was associated with clinically insignificant abnormal electrocardiogram findings in 53% of patients on day 1, with no cardiac marker elevations.
Cohort (n=30)
Does acute uncomplicated influenza cause clinically significant myocardial dysfunction or cardiac abnormalities in previously healthy young adults?
Uncomplicated acute influenza in healthy young adults causes transient, clinically insignificant ECG changes without evidence of myocardial injury or dysfunction.
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported abnormal cardiac findings in up to 43% of ambulatory adults with influenza. This study was conducted to determine the frequency, magnitude, and duration of myocardial dysfunction in such persons. METHODS: We enrolled 30 previously healthy young adults without known cardiovascular disease who presented to the clinic <or=72 h after onset of influenza symptoms and had a positive influenza antigen test. Most patients received antiviral therapy, and all underwent serial electrocardiography and had blood specimens collected on days 1, 4, 11, and 28 after presentation for measurement of total creatine kinase (CK) level, CK isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) level, troponin I level, and selected cytokine levels. Echocardiography was performed on days 4, 11, and 28. RESULTS: None of the patients had an elevated CK-MB index or troponin I level. Abnormal electrocardiogram findings were noted in 53%, 33%, 27%, and 23% of patients on days 1, 4, 11, and 28, respectively, but none of the findings were considered to be clinically significant. No patient had significant changes in the ejection fraction or abnormal wall motions. CONCLUSIONS: Most ambulatory young adults with acute influenza have clinically insignificant abnormal electrocardiogram findings early during the illness. These abnormalities resolve promptly and are not associated with changes in cardiac markers or echocardiogram findings.
Ison et al. (Tue,) conducted a cohort in Acute influenza (n=30). Acute influenza in previously healthy young adults was associated with clinically insignificant abnormal electrocardiogram findings in 53% of patients on day 1, with no cardiac marker elevations.