Clinical outcomes of hospitalization of premature infants (Gestational age 33–35 weeks) with lower respiratory tract infections, associated and not associated with the respiratory syncytial virus, in the poni international study

Study rationale: premature infants have a higher risk of developing severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), compared with full-term children. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of LRTI in preschool children, including children aged up to 1 year. Objective of the research – to determine the incidence, severity, course and outcome of hospitalizations caused by LRTI associated and not associated with RSV in preterm infants who had no immunoprophylaxis. Study materials and methods: a surveillance epidemiological study was conducted in 23 countries (Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia, Middle East, Mexico, Korea) from September 2013 to July 2014. The study included premature infants born from 33 weeks +0 days to 35 weeks +6 days of gestation, within 6 months before the start of RSV season. Data were obtained from medical records during a conversation/telephone contact with the parents. Results: of 2390 children included, 64 were hospitalized due to LRTI and had at least one positive RSV test result (RSV+ group), 100 – at least one negative RSV test result (RSV–). Results for RSV+ and RSV– groups were, respectively: the incidence of coughing was in 31,3 and 8%of children; hospitalization duration (median) 7 and 5,5 days; use of additional oxygen: 73,4 and 40% of children; hospitalization in the intensive care unit: 29,7 and 24%; artificial lung ventilation: 10,9 and 8% of children; its duration (median) 4 and 3 days. Conclusion: premature infants with RSV, in contrast to preterm infants without RSV, have more severe symptoms and signs of LRTI, more frequent use of supplemental oxygen and a tendency to more severe hospitalization course. © 2017, Pediatria Ltd. All rights reserved.