Respiratory syncytial virus-associated hospitalizations among children: an Italian retrospective observational study

• DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01617-w
• Publication Date: 2024-03-07T19:01:54Z
• Authors: Francesca Fortunato; Angelo Campanozzi; Gianfranco Maffei; Fabio Arena; Valeria Delli Carri; Tiziana Rollo; Pier Luigi Lopalco; Domenico Martinelli
• Keywords: Palivizumab

Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a single-stranded RNA virus, is leading cause of hospitalization in infants, especially ≤ 2 months life. In the light new immunization strategies adoption, we described epidemiological and clinical characteristics RSV-associated hospitalizations pediatric neonatal intensive care units Policlinico Foggia Hospital, Apulia Region, Italy. Methods Hospitalized children with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection from 2011 to 2023 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical information was collected Hospital Discharge Registry period 2011–2020. The proportion for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) associated calculated cost analyzed by using diagnosis-related group reimbursement rate. anticipated impact either monoclonal antibodies or maternal on number estimated. All analyses quality assessment performed STATA/SE15.0. Results A total 1,005 RSV-cases included study, which 86.3% occurred between December-March. 2011–2020, 832 matched corresponding hospital admissions; 75.2% aged < 1 year (49.6% 0–2 months). Bronchiolitis most frequent admission diagnosis occurring 63.3% patients; 25% affected very severe RSV-disease. Younger age (OR:14.8, 95%CI:8.30–26.31, p = 0.000), higher length-of-hospital-stay (OR:1.01, 95%CI:1.0–1.02, 0.030) history prematurity (OR:4.4, 95%CI:1.57–12.11, 0.005) disease severity. caused 48.9% ARIs among year. mean an 3,036 euros/year, (4,225 euros/year). Immunization programs nirsevimab could prevent 51.4 hospitalizations/year 18.1 disease/year infants age. vaccine 46.1 within 180 days after birth. Conclusions Our study contributes outlining baseline profile Italian providing epidemiological/clinical/economic estimates. While awaiting recommendations immunization, healthcare-workers should persist implementing public health measures appropriate case management control seasonal epidemics. Strengthened laboratory surveillance needed inform implementation strategies.