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Risk factors for hospitalization due to respiratory syncytial virus infection among infants in the Basque Country,

G Cilla1, A Sarasua, M Montes

  • 1Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Donostia, and Deparamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del País Vasco, San Sebastián, Spain. ludserol@chdo.osakidetza.net

Epidemiology and Infection
|April 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Low birthweight is a key risk factor for hospitalization due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants. This finding aids in identifying infants needing closer monitoring for severe RSV disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Community-acquired respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infant hospitalization.
  • Identifying risk factors for severe RSV infection is crucial for prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze risk factors associated with hospitalization for RSV infection in infants.
  • To compare these risk factors with the general infant population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 361 hospitalizations in 357 infants due to RSV.
  • Multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors for hospitalization.

Main Results:

  • Low birthweight (<2500 g) was independently associated with RSV hospitalization.
  • Other identified risk factors included maternal age <25 years, birth in the latter half of the year, prematurity, suburban residence, and congenital heart disease.
  • Most hospitalized infants (80%) had no underlying conditions, and few (3%) were candidates for palivizumab prophylaxis.

Conclusions:

  • Low birthweight is a significant independent risk factor for severe RSV infection requiring hospitalization.
  • Findings highlight the need to consider low birthweight alongside other known factors in managing RSV risk in infants.

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