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Severe respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in infancy and asthma and allergy at age 13

Nele Sigurs1, Per M Gustafsson, Ragnar Bjarnason

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Borås Central Hospital, Borås, Sweden. nele.sigurs@telia.com

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|November 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in infancy increases the risk of developing asthma and allergies by early adolescence. This long-term study highlights a significant link between early-life viral infections and later respiratory health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is a common childhood illness.
  • The long-term respiratory and allergic consequences of severe RSV bronchiolitis are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between hospitalization for RSV bronchiolitis in infancy and the development of wheezing disorders and allergic conditions by early adolescence.
  • To assess airway reactivity and sensitization to allergens in individuals with a history of severe RSV bronchiolitis.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of children hospitalized with RSV bronchiolitis and matched controls, followed until age 13.
  • Assessment of wheezing disorders and clinical allergy via questionnaires.
  • Skin prick tests, serum IgE measurements, and spirometry (including challenges) were performed.

Main Results:

  • Children hospitalized with RSV bronchiolitis had significantly higher rates of asthma/recurrent wheezing (43% vs. 8%) and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (39% vs. 15%) at age 13.
  • Increased sensitization to inhaled allergens was observed in the RSV group via skin prick tests (50% vs. 28%) and serum IgE (45% vs. 26%).
  • Mild airway obstruction and increased airway reactivity were noted in the RSV group compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Hospitalization for RSV bronchiolitis in infancy is a significant risk factor for allergic asthma in early adolescence.
  • Early-life severe RSV infection may predispose children to long-term respiratory and allergic morbidities.

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