Risk factors for severe RSV-induced lower respiratory tract infection over four consecutive epidemics

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in young children.
• Hospitalization rates for RSV-induced LRTI can vary between seasons.
• Identifying children at high risk for severe RSV infection is crucial for resource allocation and preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors associated with hospitalization for RSV-induced LRTI in young children.
• To determine predictors of severe RSV infection requiring hospital admission using logistic regression analysis.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study comparing children under 4 years admitted for RSV-induced LRTI (cases) with children hospitalized for other LRTI (controls).
• Data collected over four RSV seasons (2000-2004).
• Logistic regression analysis used to identify independent predictors of hospitalization.

Main Results:

• Seven potential predictors were identified in bivariate analysis, including family size, age, birth weight, gestational age, birth order, daycare attendance, and previous RSV infections.
• Logistic regression identified three significant independent predictors for hospitalization: chronological age at RSV season onset, birth weight category, and birth order.
• Specific adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were reported for each significant predictor.

Conclusions:

• Chronological age at the beginning of the RSV season, birth weight category, and birth order are significant independent predictors of hospitalization for RSV-induced LRTI.
• These host and environmental factors can identify children at higher risk for severe RSV infection, irrespective of RSV seasonality.
• This information can aid in risk stratification for RSV infection management in pediatric populations.