Pulmonary hemorrhage as a complication of Respiratory Syncyntial Virus (RSV) bronchiolitis

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of bronchiolitis. Although there are a number of recognized complications, pulmonary hemorrhage has not been reported previously. A retrospective case notes review was performed through an electronic search of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit's medical records. Seven patients with RSV infection and pulmonary hemorrhage were identified and included in this case series. Six of the seven patients were born prematurely (30-36 weeks gestation). All patients required blood transfusion. The pulmonary hemorrhage events all occurred after a period of mechanical ventilation and following extubation. All of the patients required reintubation with a mean of 5 further days of mechanical ventilation. Pulmonary hemorrhage is an uncommon complication of RSV infection, which has not been reported previously in the literature. Further studies are required to determine incidence, pathogenesis, and outcome. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:E32-E36. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.