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Respiratory Failure and Death in Vulnerable Premature Children With Lower Respiratory Tract Illness

Gaston Ofman1, Brad Pradarelli1, Mauricio T Caballero1,2

  • 1Fundación INFANT, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 2, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Premature infants in developing countries face high risks of respiratory failure and death from infections like RSV. Identifying risk factors such as malnutrition and heart disease is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Developing countries face significant challenges in addressing respiratory failure (RF) and fatal lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in premature infants.
  • Understanding risk factors is essential for implementing evidence-based preventive interventions in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) LRTI in premature children.
  • To determine risk factors for RF and fatal outcomes in premature infants within a vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, population-based, cross-sectional study design.
  • Enrollment of subjects with severe LRTI during the respiratory season.
  • Investigation of risk factors for RF and mortality in premature infants.

Main Results:

  • A total of 664 premature children were studied, with an LRTI hospitalization rate of 82.6/1000.
  • RSV and hMPV infection rates were 40.9/1000 and 6.6/1000, respectively.
  • RF occurred at 8.2/1000, and LRTI mortality was 2.2/1000. Never breastfeeding, malnutrition, younger than 6 months, congenital heart disease, and lower hematocrit were identified as RF risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Premature children under 2 years in vulnerable settings have higher rates of RF and mortality compared to full-term infants.
  • Identified modifiable risk factors underscore the need for targeted, evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
prematurityrespiratory failurerespiratory infection

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