Burden of respiratory syncytial viral infections on paediatric hospitals: a two-year prospective epidemiological

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A G Constantopoulos1, D A Kafetzis, G A Syrogiannopoulos

  • 1Paediatric University Clinic, Agia Sophia Children's Hospital, Thivon & M. Asias, Athens, Greece.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|April 10, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations are common in young children, particularly infants under six months. High-risk infants and those with lower respiratory tract infections face more severe outcomes and longer hospital stays.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of pediatric respiratory infections.
  • Understanding RSV hospitalization patterns is crucial for resource allocation and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate hospitalization patterns for RSV disease in children up to 2 years old.
  • To estimate the burden of RSV on pediatric hospital beds and identify high-risk age groups.
  • To analyze RSV prevalence across different seasons and regions in Greece.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective investigation of 1,710 children hospitalized for respiratory tract infections.
  • Data collection across four regions and seven pediatric departments in Greece over two seasons.
  • Analysis of RSV prevalence, associated risk factors, and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Overall RSV prevalence was 33.1%, varying significantly by season (27% vs. 37.7%).
  • RSV was strongly associated with younger age, high-risk status, lower respiratory tract infections (especially bronchiolitis), and severe disease.
  • RSV infections accounted for 38% of total respiratory infection hospitalization days, with 77% of RSV days attributed to infants under 6 months.

Conclusions:

  • RSV imposes a substantial burden on pediatric hospitalizations, particularly affecting young infants and high-risk children.
  • Younger age and high-risk classification are key predictors of severe RSV disease and prolonged hospitalization.
  • Targeted interventions and preventative measures for infants under 6 months are critical for reducing RSV-related hospitalizations.

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