Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

9.6K

Morbidity due to acute lower respiratory infection in children with birth defects: a total population-based linked

Khadra A Jama-Alol, Hannah C Moore1, Peter Jacoby

  • 1Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia. hannah.moore@telethonkids.org.au.

BMC Pediatrics
|March 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Children with birth defects have higher rates of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) hospitalizations before age two. Targeted vaccination and immunoprophylaxis can help reduce these hospitalizations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Birth Defects Research
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) are a primary cause of childhood hospitalization.
  • Birth defects affect 5% of live births in Western Australia (WA).
  • The link between birth defects and ALRI hospitalization risk was previously unestablished.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between birth defects and ALRI hospitalizations in children.
  • To quantify the increased risk of ALRI hospitalizations in children with various birth defects.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study analyzed 245,249 singleton births in WA from 1996-2005.
  • Hospitalization data were linked with the WA Register of Developmental Anomalies.
  • Negative binomial regression adjusted for risk factors to assess ALRI hospitalization rates.

Main Results:

  • Children with birth defects had significantly higher ALRI hospitalization rates (IRR 2.0-2.3) compared to those without.
  • Aboriginal children with birth defects showed higher rates (37%) of ALRI admission than non-Aboriginal children (9%).
  • Down syndrome cases exhibited the highest ALRI hospitalization rate (IRR 8.0); multiple defects tripled the risk.

Conclusions:

  • Children with birth defects face elevated risks of ALRI hospitalization within their first two years.
  • Improving vaccination and immunoprophylaxis for specific birth defect categories is crucial for reducing ALRI hospitalizations.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Advancing Rapid Detection of Respiratory Pathogens Using Microfluidic Chip06:11

Author Spotlight: Advancing Rapid Detection of Respiratory Pathogens Using Microfluidic Chip

Published on: March 29, 2024

3.0K
An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection09:01

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

7.6K

Related Concept Videos

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
55
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
40
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
5.2K
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
1.8K
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.5K
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
24