Successful Treatment of Complicated Influenza A(H3N2) Virus Infection and Rhabdomyolysis with Compassionate Use of IV Zanamivir

Abstract

In 2019, EMA licensed intravenous (IV) zanamivir for severe influenza virus infection in children over 6 months as well as adults. Prior to that, it was possible via a compassionate use program. We present successful compassionate use of IV zanamivir in a 14-year-old female with severe influenza A(H3N2) and multi-organ failure, who had failed oral oseltamivir. Her illness was complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome and rhabdomyolysis requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and hemofiltration. Considering the broad safety margins with neuraminidase inhibitors, an adult dose of 600 mg IV BID was administered in this 60 kg patient. Influenza virus was cleared rapidly and undetectable on day 13. Creatine kinase (CK) values were dropping from 38,000 to 500 within nine days. Given the recent licensure of IV zanamivir, multi-center prospective observational studies in pediatric Intensive Care Unit patients would be beneficial to guide the most appropriate use of IV zanamivir in this vulnerable age group.