Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
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
Rates of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection among children in medicaid
T G Boyce1, B G Mellen, E F Mitchel
1Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Insights
Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia face high respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization rates. Premature infants and those with heart conditions see lower rates after their first year.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants.
- Certain medical conditions increase the risk of severe RSV outcomes, including hospitalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine hospitalization rates for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children under three years old.
- To compare RSV hospitalization rates among children with specific underlying medical conditions versus healthy children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Tennessee Medicaid program.
- The study included 248,652 child-years of data for children younger than three years old from July 1989 to June 1993.
Main Results:
- In the first year of life, RSV hospitalization rates per 1000 children were highest for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (388), followed by congenital heart disease (92) and prematurity (70-30, depending on gestational age).
- In the second year of life, rates decreased but remained elevated for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (73), while congenital heart disease (18) and prematurity (16) showed lower rates.
- A significant proportion (53%) of RSV hospitalizations occurred in otherwise healthy, full-term infants.
Conclusions:
- Children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia experience persistently high RSV hospitalization rates up to 24 months of age.
- After the first year, hospitalization rates for RSV in children with congenital heart disease or prematurity approach those of low-risk infants.
- These findings highlight the need for targeted RSV prevention strategies for high-risk infants, while also acknowledging the burden of RSV hospitalizations in the general infant population.
Objective:
To determine rates of hospitalization associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among children with and without specific medical conditions.
Study Design:
Retrospective cohort study of all children <3 years old enrolled in the Tennessee Medicaid program from July 1989 through June 1993 (248,652 child-years).
Results:
During the first year of life, the estimated number of RSV hospitalizations per 1000 children was 388 for those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, 92 for those with congenital heart disease, 70 for children born at < or = 28 weeks' gestation, 66 for those born at 29 to <33 weeks, 57 for those born at 33 to <36 weeks, and 30 for children born at term with no underlying medical condition. In the second year of life, children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia had an estimated 73 RSV hospitalizations per 1000 children, whereas those with congenital heart disease had 18 and those with prematurity 16 per 1000. Overall, 53% of RSV hospitalizations occurred in healthy children born at term.
Conclusions:
Children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia have high rates of RSV hospitalization until 24 months of age. In contrast, after the first year of life, children with congenital heart disease or prematurity have rates no higher than that of children at low risk who are <12 months old.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
01:29Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease