Efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen versus oseltamivir in children with influenza: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, positive parallel-controlled study.
Fengxia Xue, Jialin Li, Siyuan Hu et al.
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In 30 seconds
This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, positive-controlled trial compared Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) with oseltamivir in children aged 3–14 years with influenza. Among 520 randomized participants, median clinical recovery time was 5 days in both groups, and recovery rates were similar (71.5% vs. 71.2%; HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.84-1.29). LHQW was reported as non-inferior for clinical recovery and was associated with shorter time to defervescence and higher improvement rates for cough and sore throat. Adverse-event incidence was similar between groups.
Key findings
- Median clinical recovery time was 5 days in both groups; recovery rates were 71.5% vs. 71.2% (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.84-1.29).
- Median time to defervescence was 24 h with LHQW and 30 h with oseltamivir (p < 0.05).
- Improvement rates with LHQW were higher for cough (56.9% vs. 45.5%) and sore throat (90.9% vs. 74.2%); both p < 0.05.
- Adverse-event incidence was similar between groups (p > 0.05); no severe or critical influenza occurred in the LHQW group.
Why it matters
The trial provides comparative evidence on an alternative treatment for pediatric influenza, with similar clinical recovery and safety to oseltamivir and differences in fever resolution and selected symptoms. These outcomes may inform assessment of treatment options, while the findings should be interpreted within the population and outcomes studied.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not report follow-up duration or detailed adverse-event results, limiting assessment of longer-term outcomes and safety.