Does cesarean section pose a risk of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in infants and children?

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Acute bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection in infants and young children.
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a primary cause of acute bronchiolitis.
• Mode of delivery has been investigated as a potential factor influencing infant health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between cesarean section (C-section) delivery and the risk of developing acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in infants and children.
• To compare the incidence of RSV bronchiolitis in infants born via C-section versus those born via normal spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective and descriptive study design was employed.
• Data were collected from patients aged 0 to 36 months hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis at Hamad Medical Corporation.
• Statistical analysis included calculation of odds ratios and confidence intervals to assess risk.

Main Results:

• The study found no statistically significant increase in the risk of RSV bronchiolitis among infants delivered by C-section compared to those born via normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (odds ratio=1.10; 95% CI [0.57, 1.80]; P=0.965).
• Infants born with a gestational age of ≤35 weeks showed a significantly higher risk of RSV bronchiolitis compared to those with a gestational age >35 weeks (odds ratio=3.12; 95% CI [1.53, 6.38]; P=0.002).

Conclusions:

• Delivery via C-section does not appear to be a significant risk factor for developing RSV bronchiolitis in infants.
• Preterm birth (gestational age ≤35 weeks) is a significant risk factor associated with an increased risk of RSV bronchiolitis.