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Published on: December 10, 2013

Rhinovirus infection and healthcare utilisation in prematurely born infants

Simon B Drysdale1, Mireia Alcazar-Paris, Theresa Wilson

  • 1Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC-Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, London.

The European Respiratory Journal
|April 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Rhinovirus (RV) lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in premature infants significantly increase healthcare costs during infancy. These RV LRTIs also lead to greater chronic respiratory issues compared to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Prematurely born infants are susceptible to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).
  • Rhinovirus (RV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common causes of LRTIs in this population.
  • The economic impact and long-term respiratory sequelae of RV LRTIs in premature infants require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if rhinovirus (RV) lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in prematurely born infants increase health-related costs during infancy.
  • To compare the healthcare costs and respiratory morbidity associated with RV LRTIs versus RSV LRTIs and no LRTI.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective follow-up of 153 infants born at <36 weeks gestation to 1 year of age.
  • Calculation of cost of care using the National Health Service reference costing scheme.
  • Healthcare utilization determined via hospital and general practitioner records.

Main Results:

  • Infants with both RV and RSV LRTIs incurred the highest adjusted mean cost increase (GBP 5769).
  • Rhinovirus (RV) LRTIs were associated with a significant increase in adjusted mean cost (GBP 278) compared to no LRTI.
  • The RV group exhibited more outpatient and general practitioner attendances, increased wheezing, and greater respiratory-related outpatient visits than the no LRTI group.

Conclusions:

  • Rhinovirus (RV) lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are associated with increased health-related costs in prematurely born infants.
  • RV LRTIs in premature infants lead to greater chronic respiratory morbidity compared to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) LRTIs.
  • Early identification and management of RV LRTIs are crucial for mitigating healthcare costs and long-term respiratory health in this vulnerable population.

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