Burden of influenza in patients with cardiovascular disease who receive antiviral treatment for influenza

Abstract

Aims: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases the risk of complications from respiratory viruses, including influenza. Moreover, respiratory viruses may increase the risk of CV events. Antiviral medication may reduce healthcare resource utilization (HRU), but more data is needed in CVD populations to explore relationships between influenza antiviral treatment, CVD-related complications, HRU, and costs. Materials and methods: This retrospective claims analysis examined data extracted from IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters and Medicare Supplemental and Coordination of Benefits databases during three influenza seasons: 2016–2017, 2017–2018, or 2018–2019. Propensity score matching was used to compare HRU outcomes and costs among CVD patients treated with influenza antivirals and untreated patients. Results: Across all influenza seasons, patients with CVD and influenza who received antiviral treatment had fewer all-cause emergency department (ED) visits (p