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Trends in hospitalisation for common paediatric infections: An Australian experience
Nicola Irwin1,2, Marian J Currie2, Deborah Davis2,3
1Department of Paediatrics, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Insights
Pediatric hospital admissions for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are rising in the Australian Capital Territory, while length of stay (LOS) is decreasing. Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) admissions remain low due to vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) are leading causes of pediatric healthcare utilization.
- Recent trends in pediatric hospital admission rates for RTIs and AGE require updated documentation.
- Understanding associated factors like length of stay (LOS), costs, and comorbidities is crucial for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in pediatric hospital admission rates for RTIs and AGE over a 10-year period in the Australian Capital Territory.
- To examine the associated length of stay (LOS), monetary costs, and prevalence of chronic conditions in admitted children.
- To identify demographic and diagnostic patterns influencing hospital admissions for these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospital admissions data.
- Inclusion criteria: Australian Capital Territory residents aged 0-16 years with primary diagnosis of RTI or AGE.
- Data analysis covered the period from 2009 to 2018.
Main Results:
- Total admissions: 8668 between 2009-2018.
- Admission rates for RTI increased from 9.2 to 10.5 per 1000 population; LOS decreased by 10 hours (43 to 33 hours).
- Median cost per admission was AUD$3158; 16.4% of children had chronic conditions, linked to longer LOS and higher costs. Infants were most frequently admitted.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric hospital admission rates for RTIs are increasing in the Australian Capital Territory, with decreasing LOS.
- Admissions for AGE remain low, likely due to the impact of the rotavirus vaccine.
- Effective strategies are necessary to mitigate the growing burden of pediatric RTIs.
Aim:
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) significantly impact health service use among children; however, recent trends in hospital admission rates are not well documented. Our objectives were to describe admission rates for RTI and AGE among children in one jurisdiction over a 10-year period and their associated length of stay (LOS), monetary costs and chronic conditions.
Methods:
This is retrospective review of hospital admissions data for Australian Capital Territory residents aged 0-16 years admitted with a primary diagnosis commensurate with RTI or AGE.
Results:
Between 2009 and 2018, there were 8668 admissions. Admission rates rose from 9.2/1000 age-adjusted population in 2009 to 10.5/1000 in 2018. LOS reduced by 10 h (43 to 33 h). The median cost per admission was AUD$3158 (AUD$148 to AUD$175 271) and 16.4% of children had a chronic condition, associated with longer LOS and higher episode costs. Median age at admission was 1 year 5 months. Infants were admitted three times as often as older children and admissions for lower RTI were more common than for upper RTI or AGE (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Paediatric hospital admission rates for RTI in the Australian Capital Territory are increasing and LOS is decreasing. Admissions for AGE remain relatively low following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in 2007. Effective strategies are needed to reduce the burden of paediatric RTI.
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