Study findings from M.J Carter et al broaden understanding of bird flu therapy

Investigators publish new data in the report "A rationale for using steroids in the treatment of severe cases of H5N1 avian influenza. Acute hypercytokinaemia represents an imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and is believed to be responsible for the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure in severe cases of avian (H5N1) influenza. Although neuraminidase inhibitors are effective in treating avian influenza, especially if given within 48 h of infection, it is harder to prevent the resultant hypercytokinaemia from developing if the patient does not seek timely medical assistance," researchers in the United States report.

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