Mortality Associated With Viral Bronchiolitis in a Pediatric Department: A Retrospective Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Acute viral bronchiolitis poses a significant and growing public health challenge in Morocco, with potential for severe and fatal outcomes, especially in vulnerable infants.
• The study aimed to investigate the causes of mortality associated with viral bronchiolitis and emphasize the importance of preventive measures for high-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the causes of death in infants due to acute viral bronchiolitis in Morocco.
• To highlight the critical role of prophylaxis, specifically anti-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) monoclonal antibodies, in mitigating mortality among high-risk infants.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted over 11 years and 11 months (January 1, 2013 – December 10, 2024).
• Inclusion criteria comprised all infant deaths (1-24 months) directly linked to acute viral bronchiolitis during hospitalization.

Main Results:

• Thirty-two infant deaths were attributed to acute viral bronchiolitis. Key risk factors identified included male sex (62.5%), passive smoking (53.1%), young age (50%), and preterm birth (12.5%).
• Congenital heart disease was the most frequent comorbidity (59.4%), significantly contributing to mortality. Other comorbidities included bronchopulmonary dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, hypopituitarism, ichthyosis, and polymalformative syndrome.
• Primary causes of death were linked to congenital heart conditions, such as ventricular septal defect (15.62%). All deceased infants required intensive care, with mortality exacerbated by a lack of available intensive care unit beds.

Conclusions:

• Infants with chronic lung disease, prematurity, or decompensated congenital heart disease face an elevated risk of severe acute bronchiolitis, particularly from RSV.
• The findings underscore the necessity of implementing prophylactic strategies, such as anti-RSV monoclonal antibody administration, to protect vulnerable infant populations and reduce mortality rates.