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Meta-analysis of prevalence of wheezing and recurrent wheezing in infants
I Alvarez-Alvarez1, H Niu1, F Guillen-Grima2
1Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain.
Insights
Wheezing affects over a third of infants globally, with nearly a fifth experiencing recurrent wheezing. This common respiratory issue is notably more prevalent in Latin America, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Wheezing significantly impacts children's quality of life and is linked to childhood asthma.
- Previous studies on wheezing prevalence lack a global perspective, especially for infants.
- There is a need to understand the worldwide prevalence of wheezing in infants to inform public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the global prevalence of wheezing and recurrent wheezing in infants up to two years old.
- To compare the prevalence of infant wheezing across different world regions.
- To identify potential regional disparities in the occurrence of infant wheezing.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases up to June 2016.
- Observational studies were included, using keywords related to prevalence, wheezing, and infants.
- A random-effects Bayesian model was employed for meta-analysis, with heterogeneity assessed using the I-squared statistic.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis included 14 studies, revealing a global prevalence of wheezing at 36.06% and recurrent wheezing at 17.41%.
- Prevalence rates varied significantly by region, with Latin America showing higher rates (40.55% wheezing, 19.27% recurrent wheezing) compared to Europe (30.68% wheezing, 12.35% recurrent wheezing).
- Prevalence in Africa was reported at 15.97% for wheezing, with low heterogeneity observed across studies.
Conclusions:
- Over one-third of infants worldwide experience wheezing, and nearly one-fifth suffer from recurrent wheezing.
- Infant wheezing and recurrent wheezing present a significant public health challenge, particularly in Latin American countries.
- The findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and further research in high-prevalence regions.
Background:
Wheezing affects children's quality of life, and is related with asthma in childhood. Although prevalence of wheezing has been previously studied in several countries, there is no reference of worldwide prevalence in infants. The aim of this meta-analysis is to estimate the prevalence of wheezing and recurrent wheezing in infants aged up to two years, and compare the prevalence across world regions.
Methods:
Literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases, looking for observational studies published up to June 2016, including as keywords "prevalence" or "epidemiology" combined with "wheeze", "wheezing" or "asthma symptoms" and "infant" or "preschool". Fast*Pro software and random effects Bayesian model were used. Heterogeneity was estimated using I2 statistic, and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
We identified 109 studies after duplicates were removed. After exclusions, 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Prevalence of wheezing and recurrent wheezing were 36.06% (95% CI 35.17-36.96), and 17.41% (95% CI 16.74-18.09), respectively. In European countries, prevalence of wheezing was 30.68% (95% CI 28.97-32.45), and 12.35% (95% CI 11.27-13.47) for recurrent wheezing. Prevalence of wheezing and recurrent wheezing in Latin America were higher, 40.55% (95% CI 39.40-41.71), and 19.27% (95% CI 18.44-20.11), respectively. In Africa, prevalence of wheezing was 15.97% (95% CI 14.05-18.00). Low or no heterogeneity was found in all cases.
Conclusions:
More than one third of infants suffer from wheezing and almost one fifth from recurrent wheezing, being these illnesses especially prevalent in Latin American countries, pointing out an important public health problem.
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