Effect of the combination of oseltamivir, artificial cowbezoar, chlorphenamine maleate, and interferon nebulization on immune function in children with influenza

Purpose: To determine the effect of combining oseltamivir, artificial cow-bezoar, chlorphenamine maleate, and interferon inhalation on immune function and serum amyloid A (SAA) levels in children with influenza. Methods: A total of 114 children with influenza treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province, China from December 2019 to December 2022 were randomly divided into two groups, viz, study group (n = 57) and control group (n = 57). Control group received oseltamivir sodium chloride infusion, artificial cow-bezoar, and chlorphenamine maleate granules. Study group was treated with interferon alpha-1b in addition to control group treatment. Their clinical symptoms, duration of symptoms, immune function, SAA and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined before and after treatment. Adverse reactions were also recorded. Results: Study group had a significantly shorter duration of fever, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion after 5 days of treatment than control group (p < 0.05). The study group also showed higher CD3+ and CD8+ levels and lower CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ levels than control group after treatment. However, both groups showed lower levels of SAA, CRP, and SAA/CRP after treatment than before treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of SAA, CRP, and SAA/CRP were lower in study group than in control group after treatment (p < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group after treatment was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Quadruple therapy using oseltamivir, artificial cow-bezoar, chlorphenamine maleate, and interferon inhalation significantly shortens symptoms, boost immunity, lower SAA levels, and reduce side effects in children with influenza.