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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
[Respiratory syncytial virus infections in hospitalized children in Akershus]
H O Fjaerli1, T Farstad, T Tjade
1Barneavdelingen, Sentralsykehuset i Akershus, Nordbyhagen.
Insights
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) hospitalizations are common in infants, particularly those under six months. Further research into RSV prophylaxis and vaccine development is crucial for high-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a significant cause of pediatric hospitalizations.
- Understanding RSV epidemiology is vital for public health interventions.
- Previous studies have highlighted the burden of RSV in young children.
Purpose:
- To analyze population-based hospitalization data for RSV infections in children under 15 years.
- To determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of RSV hospitalizations.
- To inform recommendations for RSV prevention strategies.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis identified 1,002 RSV hospitalizations in children < 15 years between 1993-2000.
- Annual incidence was 2.1/1,000 children, with higher rates in infants < 1 year (24.9/1,000) and < 6 months (28.4/1,000).
- Male infants, premature infants (<1000g birthweight), and even healthy infants experienced significant complications and hospitalizations.
Impact:
- RSV poses a substantial burden on pediatric healthcare systems.
- Premature infants and those with low birthweight are at highest risk.
- The findings underscore the need for enhanced RSV prophylaxis and vaccine development, especially for vulnerable infant populations.
Introduction:
The study describes hospitalisations for RSV infections among children < 15 years.
Material And Methods:
The study is a population-based retrospective analysis of admission data from February 1993 through January 2000 of children who tested positive for RSV in nasopharyngeal aspirates.
Results:
1,002 cases were identified of which 69.5% were < 1 year old children. Estimated annual incidence of RSV infection requiring hospitalisation was 2.1/1,000 Children < 15 years, 24.9/1,000 infants < 1 year, and 28.4/1,000 infants < 6 months old. Males were more likely to be hospitalised than females. The overall mortality was 0.5%. Premature infants with birthweight < or = 1,000 g had the highest hospitalisation rates, the longest hospital stay and most complications. However, surprisingly many complications occurred among previously healthy infants.
Interpretation:
Recommendations for RSV prophylaxis among preterm infants should be investigated in a larger study. Development of an RSV vaccine should be a priority.
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