Chronic diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, and congenital malformations as risk factors for respiratory syncytial

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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Kim Kristensen1, Thomas Hjuler, Henrik Ravn

  • 1Paediatric Clinic 2, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. kimk@dadlnet.dk

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|January 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Chronic diseases significantly increase the risk and severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization in children. This study identified new risk factors beyond common conditions, highlighting the importance of managing chronic conditions for RSV prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Limited knowledge exists on how chronic conditions, excluding prematurity, heart disease, and Down syndrome, impact respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization risk and severity.
  • This study investigates the association between various chronic conditions and RSV hospitalization outcomes in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the risk and severity of RSV hospitalization in children with chronic conditions.
  • To identify specific chronic conditions that contribute to increased RSV hospitalization risk and prolonged duration.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based cohort study utilizing Danish national registries.
  • Data included RSV tests, birth information, and diagnoses of chronic conditions for children aged 0-23 months.
  • Cox regression and linear regression models were employed to analyze incidence rate ratios and duration of hospitalization.

Main Results:

  • The analysis included 391,983 children, with 10,616 (2.7%) having a chronic condition diagnosis.
  • Children with any congenital or acquired chronic condition had a significantly higher risk of RSV hospitalization (IRR 2.18 and 2.25, respectively).
  • New risk factors identified include malformations, interstitial lung disease, neuromuscular disease, liver disease, chromosomal abnormalities, congenital immunodeficiencies, and inborn errors of metabolism. Hospitalization duration was also increased for many chronic conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic disease is an independent and significant risk factor for RSV hospitalization.
  • Management of chronic conditions is crucial for reducing the burden of RSV in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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