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Apnea associated with respiratory syncytial virus infection in young infants
The Journal of Pediatrics
|March 1, 1977
Insights
Apnea is common in infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Premature birth and young age increase the risk of apnea during RSV illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory illness in infants.
- Apnea is a potential complication of respiratory infections in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of apnea in infants with culture-proved RSV infections.
- To identify predisposing factors associated with apnea in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospital charts for 274 infants under 6 months of age.
- Culture-confirmed diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection.
- Analysis of clinical data to identify factors associated with apnea.
Main Results:
- Fifty-six out of 274 infants (20.4%) experienced apnea during RSV infection.
- Premature birth was a significant predisposing factor for apnea.
- Young chronologic age at the time of infection also correlated significantly with apnea.
Conclusions:
- Apnea is a notable complication of respiratory syncytial virus infections in young infants.
- Prematurity and young age are key risk factors for developing apnea with RSV.
- Awareness of these factors is crucial for clinical management and monitoring of infants with RSV.
Abstract:
The hospital charts of 274 infants under 6 months of age with culture-proved respiratory syncytial virus infections were reviewed. Fifty-six infants (20.4%) demonstrated apnea in association with RSV infection. Predisposing factors significantly correlated with apnea included premature birth and young chronologic age at the time of virus infection. The clinical implications of this association are discussed.