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Recurrent wheezing in children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in Qatar
V M Osundwa1, S T Dawod, M Ehlayel
1Department of Paediatrics, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar, Arabian Gulf.
Insights
Infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis have a significantly higher risk of developing recurrent wheezing. This risk persists for years, underscoring the long-term impact of severe RSV infections in early life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is a common childhood respiratory infection.
- Long-term respiratory sequelae following RSV bronchiolitis are a significant concern in pediatric health.
- Understanding risk factors for post-bronchiolitis wheezing is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term development of recurrent wheezing in infants after RSV bronchiolitis.
- To compare the incidence of recurrent wheezing in infants with and without a history of RSV bronchiolitis.
- To assess the role of atopy as a predisposing factor for recurrent wheezing post-RSV bronchiolitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 70 infants diagnosed with RSV bronchiolitis.
- Inclusion of a control group of 70 infants without RSV bronchiolitis.
- Follow-up assessment for recurrent wheezing two years post-hospital admission.
Main Results:
- 44% of infants with RSV bronchiolitis developed recurrent wheezing within two years.
- Only 12.9% of control infants experienced recurrent wheezing (P = 0.001).
- Family history of atopy was not a significant predictor of recurrent wheezing in RSV patients.
Conclusions:
- RSV bronchiolitis is a significant risk factor for the development of recurrent wheezing in infants.
- The findings highlight the need for monitoring respiratory health in children following RSV infection.
- The results align with observations from industrialized nations, suggesting a universal impact of RSV bronchiolitis.
Abstract:
Records of 70 infants admitted to Hamad General Hospital with RSV bronchiolitis and a similar number of controls were retrospectively reviewed. Two years after admission, 44% of the infants with RSV bronchiolitis developed recurrent wheezing compared with only 12.9% of controls (P = 0.001). A family history of atopy appeared not to be a significant predisposing factor for the occurrence of recurrent wheezing in post RSV bronchiolitis patients. These results are similar to those from similar studies in industrialized countries.