Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalizations in Children <5 Years: 2016-2022.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2024
Identifier
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-065623
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic disrupted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasonality resulting in early, atypical RSV seasons in 2021 and 2022, with an intense 2022 peak overwhelming many pediatric healthcare facilities.
METHODS: We conducted prospective surveillance for acute respiratory illness during 2016-2022 at 7 pediatric hospitals. We interviewed parents, reviewed medical records, and tested respiratory specimens for RSV and other respiratory viruses. We estimated annual RSV-associated hospitalization rates in children aged(2016-2020) to those hospitalized in 2021 or 2022.
RESULTS: There was no difference in median age or age distribution between prepandemic and 2021 seasons. Median age of children hospitalized with RSV was higher in 2022 (9.6 months vs 6.0 months, P < .001). RSV-associated hospitalization rates were higher in 2021 and 2022 than the prepandemic average across age groups. Comparing 2021 to 2022, RSV-associated hospitalization rates were similar among children
CONCLUSIONS: The atypical 2021 and 2022 RSV seasons resulted in higher hospitalization rates with similar disease severity to prepandemic seasons.
Journal Title
Pediatrics
Volume
154
Issue
1
MeSH Keywords
Humans; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Hospitalization; Infant; Child, Preschool; Male; Prospective Studies; Female; COVID-19; Seasons; Hospitals, Pediatric; Infant, Newborn
Keywords
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Hospitalization; Prospective Studies; COVID-19; Seasons; Pediatric Hospitals
Recommended Citation
McMorrow ML, Moline HL, Toepfer AP, et al. Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalizations in Children <5 Years: 2016-2022. Pediatrics.>2024;154(1):e2023065623. doi:10.1542/peds.2023-065623
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