Respiratory syncytial virus-associated hospitalization in children aged <2 years in Spain from 2018 to 2021

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a primary cause of severe respiratory illness in infants and young children.
• Global health patterns, including hospitalization rates for RSV, were notably altered during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
• Understanding these shifts is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiology of RSV hospitalizations in children under two years old in Spain between 2018 and 2021.
• To estimate the population-based hospitalization rates and associated costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify trends and inform future preventive strategies for RSV infections.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study design was employed, analyzing population-based data.
• Hospital discharge data for children under two years old in Spain from 2018 to 2021 were collected and reviewed.
• Epidemiological indicators, including hospitalization rates, mortality, and economic costs, were calculated.

Main Results:

• A total of 56,741 hospital discharges related to RSV were identified.
• A 2.2% decrease in RSV hospitalizations was observed during the study period, with an overall rate of 1,915.89 per 100,000 children.
• Thirty-four deaths were recorded, and the average annual cost to the National Health-Care System for RSV bronchiolitis hospitalizations was €49.6 million.

Conclusions:

• RSV remains a significant pathogen in children under two, frequently associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
• The study highlights the need for targeted preventive measures, such as vaccination programs, for this vulnerable age group.
• Continued surveillance is essential to monitor RSV epidemiology and the impact of interventions.