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Published on: December 10, 2013
Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Hospitalized Children
Ana M González-Ortiz1, Sofía Bernal-Silva2, Andreu Comas-García2
1Hospital del Niño y la Mujer, Dr. Alberto López Hermosa, San Luis Potosí, México.
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) significantly contributes to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in hospitalized Mexican children. While most infected children lack underlying conditions, severe illness and death are more common in those with pre-existing health issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are a major global cause of mortality.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a primary driver of LRTI in pediatric populations.
- Limited data exists on RSV's impact in Latin America.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and characteristics of RSV infections in hospitalized Mexican children.
- To analyze clinical presentation, hospital course, and outcomes associated with RSV in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 1,252 children hospitalized for LRTI between November 2012 and December 2015.
- RSV detection using RT-PCR on respiratory samples.
- Clinical data collection including presentation, ICU admission, and mortality.
Main Results:
- RSV was detected in 43.7% of LRTI hospitalizations.
- Infants with RSV were younger, more frequently diagnosed with bronchiolitis, and less likely to have underlying disorders.
- Underlying conditions, pneumonia, and young age were associated with ICU admission in RSV-positive infants.
- Mortality was 0.73% in RSV-infected infants, significantly higher in those with underlying disorders (3.8% vs. 0.2%).
Conclusions:
- RSV is a substantial contributor to pediatric LRTI hospitalizations in Mexico.
- While many RSV cases occur in previously healthy children, underlying conditions increase the risk of severe outcomes, including ICU admission and death.
Background:
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of LRTI in children. Despite of its epidemiological importance, there is limited information regarding the impact of this virus in Latin America.
Aims Of The Study:
We carried out a prospective study to establish the frequency and characteristics of RSV infections in hospitalized Mexican children.
Methods:
1,252 children hospitalized between November, 2012 and December, 2015 because of LRTI were included in the study. A respiratory sample was obtained for RSV detection by RT-PCR and information regarding clinical presentation, hospital course, and outcome was recorded.
Results:
RSV was detected in 43.7% of children admitted with LRTI, in 43.3% of those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and in 36.4% of those who died. Infants with RSV infection were younger, were diagnosed with bronchiolitis more frequently, and were less likely to have underlying disorders than those with RSV-negative LRTI. Among RSV-positive infants, admission to the ICU was associated with the presence of underlying conditions, pneumonia diagnosis, and young age. Four (0.73%) of the 547 infants with RSV infection died; death was more common in those with underlying disorders than previously healthy infants (3.8 vs. 0.2%, respectively; p = 0.02).
Conclusion:
RSV contributes to a large proportion of LRTI hospital admissions. Most children admitted with RSV infection do not have underlying conditions. However, severe infection requiring ICU admission and death are more common in those with underlying disorders.
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