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Morbidity and mortality after RSV-associated hospitalizations among premature Canadian infants

John S Sampalis1

  • 1McGill University, University of Montreal, JSS Medical Research Inc, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. jsampali@jssresearch.com

The Journal of Pediatrics
|November 15, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in preterm infants lead to significantly higher healthcare use and mortality. Prophylaxis against RSV hospitalization is recommended for premature infants to reduce these risks.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Preterm infants are at increased risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
  • RSV hospitalization can have long-term health and economic consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of RSV infections on subsequent healthcare resource utilization in preterm infants.
  • To determine if RSV hospitalization is associated with increased mortality in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of data from 2415 preterm infants (32-35 weeks gestational age) hospitalized with RSV.
  • Matched comparison with 20,254 control infants without RSV hospitalization.

Main Results:

  • RSV cohort showed significantly higher rates of hospitalization, special care unit visits, respiratory therapy visits, physician consults, and outpatient visits compared to controls.
  • Mean inpatient days were substantially higher in the RSV cohort (14.71 vs 5.04 days).
  • Mortality rates were significantly elevated in the RSV cohort (8.1% vs 1.6%), including sudden death (6.1% vs 0.3%).

Conclusions:

  • RSV hospitalization in preterm infants is linked to a significant increase in subsequent healthcare utilization.
  • RSV hospitalization is associated with a markedly higher risk of mortality in preterm infants.
  • These findings support the use of prophylaxis to prevent RSV hospitalization in preterm infants.
Abstract

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