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Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections in early childhood: a newly defined clinical condition
Antonio Corsello1,2, Gregorio Paolo Milani3,4, Marina Picca5
1Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. antonio.corsello@unimi.it.
Insights
Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (R-URTIs) affect 5-10% of young children. A new definition aids diagnosis, noting elusive risk factors in pediatric R-URTIs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Epidemiology of childhood illnesses
Background:
- Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (R-URTIs) present a significant healthcare challenge for children and families.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of R-URTIs in young children is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (R-URTIs) in children aged 0-5 years.
- To establish a practical and dynamic definition for R-URTI in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving 483 children aged 0-5 years.
- Prospective data collection by family pediatricians on socio-demographics, medical history, and URTI episodes.
- Follow-up of children until March 2021, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Main Results:
- An estimated 5-10% prevalence of R-URTIs was observed in the study cohort.
- A proposed definition for R-URTI: at least four episodes of 4+ days each within six months, with intervening well periods.
- Specific risk factors for R-URTI were not clearly identified.
Conclusions:
- R-URTIs may affect children irrespective of family or clinical history, as risk factors were elusive.
- The proposed definition serves as a valuable tool for clinicians in diagnosing and managing pediatric R-URTIs.
- Age stratification and observation timing support patient-specific clinical decisions.
Background:
Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (R-URTIs) pose a significant challenge in pediatric healthcare, affecting both children and their families. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical implications of R-URTI in children aged 0-5 years.
Methods:
This observational study involved a sample of 483 children aged 0-5 years, focusing on establishing a practical and dynamic definition of R-URTI. Family pediatricians prospectively collected socio-demographic information, medical history, and recorded the occurrence of URTI episodes. Children were followed from recruitment until March 2021, predating the COVID-19 outbreak.
Results:
A substantial prevalence of R-URTIs was found, estimating it at 5-10% among this age group. To define R-URTI, a practical and dynamic criterion was proposed: children experiencing a minimum of four URTI episodes, each lasting four days or more, within a six-month period, with intervals of well-being in between.
Conclusions:
The study highlighted that specific risk factors for R-URTI were elusive, suggesting that this condition may affect children regardless of their family or clinical history. Moreover, the study's stratification by age group and times of observation facilitated patient-specific clinical decision-making. The proposed definition may represent a valuable tool for clinicians in diagnosing and addressing R-URTI cases.
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