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The burden of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis on a pediatric inpatient service

Arthur I Eidelman1, Orli Megged, Roselyn Feldman

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. eidel@cc.huji.ac.il

The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|December 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis significantly burdens pediatric services annually. This predictable winter epidemic necessitates enhanced planning for nursing and resources to manage hospitalizations and over-occupancy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is the primary cause of infant hospitalizations.
  • RSV infections occur predictably in epidemic proportions during winter months.
  • These epidemics place a substantial impact on pediatric inpatient services.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the burden of RSV disease on pediatric services.
  • To establish a database for effective health planning and resource allocation.
  • To inform strategies for managing seasonal pediatric respiratory illnesses.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective 5-year study was conducted on a single pediatric service.
  • Documented RSV infections were confirmed via direct immunofluorescence testing.
  • Nasal swabs were collected from all hospitalized bronchiolitis cases.

Main Results:

  • Annually, an average of 147-17 RSV bronchiolitis cases were admitted from November to March.
  • RSV cases represented 7%-9% of admissions and 10%-14% of hospital days.
  • During peak months, RSV accounted for 40% of infant hospitalizations, causing ward over-occupancy up to 126%.

Conclusions:

  • RSV infection imposes a significant burden on pediatric inpatient services during winter.
  • The predictable, cyclical nature of RSV epidemics requires proactive planning.
  • Increased nursing staff, beds, and equipment are essential for optimal patient care during these periods.
Abstract

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