Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery
06:09

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery

Published on: February 14, 2019

Insights into epidemiological and clinical burden of bronchiolitis among hospitalized children: a call for preventive

Rahaf Abughosh1, Fatmah Almesmari1, Noora Alattar1

  • 1Pediatric Residency Program, Education Institute, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|June 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Bronchiolitis hospitalization in infants is common, with hypoxia and comorbidities predicting longer stays. Early identification of these risk factors is key for better resource management during peak seasons.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • Bronchiolitis is a major cause of infant hospitalization, straining healthcare systems during seasonal surges.
  • Current management is primarily supportive, with limited tools to predict disease severity or length of stay.
  • Understanding risk factors and economic impact is crucial for resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical epidemiology of bronchiolitis hospitalizations.
  • To identify seasonal trends and risk factors for prolonged length of stay (LOS) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) escalation.
  • To estimate the economic burden of bronchiolitis hospitalizations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cross-sectional study of infants (0-24 months) admitted with bronchiolitis.
  • Data collected: demographics, clinical features, comorbidities, lab findings, oxygen needs, and care escalation.
  • Multivariable regression models analyzed LOS, PICU escalation, and hospitalization costs.

Main Results:

  • 598 infants hospitalized; 47% tested positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
  • Hypoxia, hypercapnia, comorbidities, shorter symptom duration, and secondary pneumonia predicted prolonged LOS.
  • RSV infection, hypoxia, hypercapnia, comorbidities, and secondary pneumonia predicted PICU escalation.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification of infants with hypoxia, hypercapnia, comorbidities, or secondary pneumonia is critical.
  • Anticipating prolonged hospitalization aids resource planning and targeted prevention during seasonal peaks.
  • This data can optimize management strategies for severe bronchiolitis cases.
Abstract

Keywords:
bronchiolitiseconomic burdenintensive carelength of staypediatrics hospitalizationrespiratory syncytial virus

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.