Efficacy of influenza vaccination in HIV-positive patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Anema, A¹; Mills, E¹; Montaner, J¹; Brownstein, JS²; Cooper, C³

Source: HIV Medicine, Volume 9, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 57-61(5)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Background

International treatment guidelines recommend that HIV-positive patients be vaccinated for influenza annually. Evidence supporting this recommendation is limited. We assessed the efficacy of influenza vaccines in preventing influenza in HIV-positive patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods

We searched 10 electronic databases independently, in duplicate (from inception to June 2007). We extracted data on study design, population characteristics and outcomes related to influenza symptoms and antibody titres. We pooled data using a random effects model and conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate heterogeneity. Results

We included four studies. Three studies were evaluable for meta-analysis and yielded a pooled relative risk reduction (RRR) of 66% [95% confidence interval (CI) 36-82%; I²=73%]. One case-control study yielded an odds ratio of 1.98 (95% CI 0.75-5.20). When we assessed heterogeneity according to study design, we found that the study of the highest quality, a randomized clinical trial (RCT), yielded the most conservative estimate (RRR 41%; 95% CI 2-64%). Interpretation

Evidence supporting influenza vaccination of HIV-positive individuals is limited, poorly quantified and characterized by substantial methodological shortcomings. A reasonable estimate of influenza vaccination effectiveness in HIV-positive patients cannot be derived from these data. There is an urgent need for randomized trials to guide policy and clinical practice.

Keywords: HIV; influenza vaccination; meta-analysis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-1293.2008.00515.x

Affiliations: 1: British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 2: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, and 3: University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Publication date: 2008-01-01

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