2009 H1N1 Fatalities: The New Mexico Experience

• NCJ Number: 242512
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2012 Pages: 1512-1518
• Author(s): Erin G. Brooks, M.D.; Clare H. Bryce, M.D.; Catherine Avery, M.S.; Chad Smelser, M.D.; Debra Thompson, M.D.; Kurt B. Nolte, M.D.
• Date Published: November 2013
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Histopathologic features of New Mexico 2009 H1N1 fatalities have not been representative of those reported nationwide.

Abstract

Histopathologic features of New Mexico 2009 H1N1 fatalities have not been representative of those reported nationwide. Researchers retrospectively reviewed medical records of all New Mexico 2009 pandemic influenza A (pH1N1) fatalities (n = 50). In cases in which autopsy was performed (n = 12), histologic sections and culture results were examined. In contrast to previously published studies, the majority of the fatalities did not have diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) (2/12; 16.7 percent). Common findings included pulmonary interstitial inflammation and edema, tracheobronchitis, and pneumonia. Two cases had significant extra-pulmonary manifestations: myocarditis and cerebral edema with herniation. The majority had a rapid disease course: range from 1 to 12 days (median, 2 days), and Native Americans were disproportionately represented among fatalities. These findings suggest that New Mexico H1N1 fatalities generally did not survive long enough to develop the classic picture of DAD. Pathologists should be aware that H1N1 may cause extra-pulmonary pathology and perform postmortem cultures and histologic sampling accordingly. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.