Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis in Children up to 5 Years of Age in Spain: Epidemiology and Comorbidities: An Observational Study

Assessment of effectiveness and impact of universal prophylaxis with nirsevimab for prevention of hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus in infants. The NIRSE-GAL study protocol

Nirsevimab has been recently licensed for universal RSV prophylaxis in infants. NIRSE-GAL is a three-year population-based study initiated in Galicia in September 2023. It aims to evaluate nirsevimab effectiveness against RSV-related hospitalizations lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), severe RSV, all-cause LRTI, and all-cause hospitalization. NIRSE-GAL also aims to estimate nirsevimab impact on primary healthcare use in the short and mid-term, children's wheezing and asthma, and medical prescriptions for RSV. The immunization campaigns will be scheduled based on the expected start week for the RSV season and will last the whole season. Immunization will be offered to: i) infants born during the campaign (seasonal), ii) infants < 6 months at the start of the campaign (catch-up), and iii) infants with high-risk factors, aged 6-24 months at the start of the campaign (high-risk). The follow-up period will start: i) the immunization date for all immunized infants, ii) the start of the campaign, for the non-immunized catch-up or high-risk groups, or iii) the birthdate for the non-immunized seasonal group. Infants will be followed up until outcome occurrence, death, or end of study. Nirsevimab effectiveness will be estimated using Poisson and Cox regression models. Sensitivity and stratified analyses will be undertaken. The number of averted cases and the number needed to immunize will be estimated. Immunization failure and nirsevimab safety will be monitored. NIRSE-GAL was approved by the ethics committee of Galicia (CEIC 2023-377) and registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT06180993). Findings will be mainly shared via peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences.

Parental knowledge on the respiratory syncytial virus before the nirsevimab immunization program: Attitudes toward immunization in an autonomous community of Spain

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in young children and associated with most bronchiolitis- and pneumonia-related hospitalizations. A new preventive monoclonal antibody (MAb), nirsevimab, has been launched in the United States, Luxembourg, and France, and was recently approved to be given in a population-based manner throughout Spain. This study aimed to have a first pre-immunization insight into the Spanish parental knowledge about bronchiolitis, RSV, and nirsevimab immunization. Parents in Murcia with children <2 years of age up to the date of September 1, 2023, were selected to complete a questionnaire. The primary endpoint was the parental knowledge about bronchiolitis, RSV, and nirsevimab. A total of 3,217 responses were analyzed. The majority (95.8%) were aware of bronchiolitis. Meanwhile, 46.6% of the respondents knew about RSV, most of them only after the first child's birth. Information about RSV or bronchiolitis was mainly obtained from family members, with only 4.8% reporting having been informed by Health care Professionals (HCPs). Only 11.2% of respondents were aware of nirsevimab. Nonetheless, these were not entirely satisfied with the information received (score of 3.3 out of 5) and shared that HCPs should be the primary source of information. The present survey then highlights the need for better and more efficient educational strategies directed to all parents/legal guardians. It also sheds some light on the different factors that should be considered to improve awareness of RSV immunization to decrease its burden in Spain and beyond.

Trends in hospitalizations of children with respiratory syncytial virus aged less than 1 year in Italy, from 2015 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects 60-80% of children below 1 year and it's the first cause of acute bronchiolitis. The aim of this study was to assess the trend and characteristics of hospitalizations for RSV infections in Italy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study based on the Italian Hospital Discharge Record (HDR) database. We analysed HDRs from June 2015 to May 2019, considering two groups of infants: Group 1 had a confirmed diagnosis of RSV; Group 2 had a diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis not RSV-coded.

RESULTS

There were 67,746 overall hospitalizations (40.1% Group 1, and 59.9% Group 2). Hospitalization rate increased for Group 1 from 125 to 178 per 10,000 infants (+ 42.4%), and for Group 2 from 210 to 234 per 10,000 (+ 11.4%). The mean hospitalization length was 6.3 days in Group 1, longer than Group 2 (+ 1.0 day). A further analysis revealed that infants with heart disease or born premature had longer mean hospital stay compared to infants without risk factors (10.7 days versus 6.1 days, p < 0.0001; 34.0 days versus 6.1 days, p < 0.0001, respectively). Group 1 required more critical care (oxygen therapy and/or mechanical ventilation) than Group 2. We found that, in proportion to hospital admissions in pediatric and general hospitals, RSV was more frequently diagnosed in the first ones. The mean hospitalization cost increased for Group 1 (from € 2,483 to € 2,617) and Group 2 (from € 2,007 to € 2,180).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirmed that RSV pulmonary disease in infants is seasonal and often requires hospitalization. Our study suggested that RSV is responsible for an increasing hospitalization rate and related costs during the study period.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Maternal Immunization with RSVpreF Vaccine for the Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Among Infants in Spain

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) in children under one year of age. In high-income countries, RSV infections cause a significant overload of care every winter, imposing a significant burden to the healthcare system, which has made the development of prevention strategies a major global health priority. In this context, a new bivalent RSV prefusion F protein-based vaccine (RSVpreF) has recently been approved. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of vaccinating pregnant women with the RSVpreF vaccine to prevent RSV in infants from the Spanish National Healthcare System (NHS) perspective.

METHODS

A hypothetical cohort framework and a Markov-type process were used to estimate clinical outcomes, costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and cost-per-QALY gained (willingness-to-pay threshold: €25,000/QALY) for newborn infants born to RSV-vaccinated versus unvaccinated mothers over an RSV season. The base case analysis was performed from the NHS perspective including direct costs (€2023) and applying a discount of 3% to future costs and outcomes. To evaluate the robustness of the model, several scenarios, and deterministic and probabilistic analyses were carried out. All the parameters and assumptions were validated by a panel of experts.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed that year-round maternal vaccination program with 70% coverage is a dominant option compared to no intervention, resulting in direct cost savings of €1.8 million each year, with an increase of 551 QALYs. Maternal vaccination could prevent 38% of hospital admissions, 23% of emergency room visits, 19% of primary care visits, and 34% of deaths due to RSV. All scenario analyses showed consistent results, and according to the probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA), the probability of maternal vaccination being cost-effective versus no intervention was 99%.

CONCLUSIONS

From the Spanish NHS perspective, maternal vaccination with bivalent RSVpreF is a dominant alternative compared with a non-prevention strategy.

Short- and mid-term morbidity and primary-care burden due to infant respiratory syncytial virus infection: A Spanish 6-year population-based longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

The morbidity burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants extends beyond hospitalization. Defining the RSV burden before implementing prophylaxis programs is essential for evaluating any potential impact on short- to mid-term morbidity and the utilization of primary healthcare (PHC) and emergency services (ES). We established this reference data using a population-based cohort approach.

METHODS

Infants hospitalized for RSV from January 2016 to March 2023 were matched with non-hospitalized ones based on birthdate and sex. We defined the exposure as severe RSV hospitalization. The main study outcomes were as follows: (1) PHC and ES visits for RSV, categorized using the International Classification of Primary Care codes, (2) prescriptions for respiratory airway obstructive disease, and (3) antibacterial prescriptions. Participants were followed up from 30 days before hospitalization for severe RSV until the outcome occurrence or end of the study. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of the outcomes along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Poisson regression models. Stratified analyses by type of PHC visit (nurse, pediatrician, or pharmacy) and follow-up period were undertaken. We defined mid-term outcomes as those taking place up to 24 months of follow-up period.

RESULTS

The study included 6626 children (3313 RSV-hospitalized; 3313 non-hospitalized) with a median follow-up of 53.7 months (IQR = 27.9, 69.4). After a 3-month follow-up, severe RSV was associated with a considerable increase in PHC visits for wheezing/asthma (IRR = 4.31, 95% CI: 3.84-4.84), lower respiratory infections (IRR = 4.91, 95% CI: 4.34-5.58), and bronchiolitis (IRR = 4.68, 95% CI: 2.93-7.65). Severe RSV was also associated with more PHC visits for the pediatrician (IRR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.96-2.05), nurse (IRR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.75-1.92), hospital emergency (IRR = 2.39, 95% CI: 2.17-2.63), primary healthcare emergency (IRR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.31-1.82), as well as with important increase in prescriptions for obstructive airway diseases (IRR = 5.98, 95% CI: 5.43-6.60) and antibacterials (IRR = 4.02, 95% CI: 3.38-4.81). All findings remained substantial until 2 years of post-infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe RSV infection in infants significantly increases short- to mid-term respiratory morbidity leading to an escalation in healthcare utilization (PHC/ES attendance) and medication prescriptions for up to 2 years afterward. Our approach could be useful in assessing the impact and cost-effectiveness of RSV prevention programs.

Epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalizations in Poland: An Analysis from 2015 to 2023 Covering the Entire Polish Population of Children Aged under Five Years

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of childhood hospitalizations. The aim of the study was to estimate the rates of RSV-related hospitalizations in children aged less than 5 years in Poland.

METHODS

This retrospective observational cohort study was based on data obtained from the National Health Fund in Poland regarding all acute respiratory tract infections and RSV-coded admissions of children (age < 5 years) to public hospitals between July 2015 and June 2023. Patients were stratified based on the following age groups: 0-1 month, 2-3 months, 4-6 months, 7-12 months, 13-24 months, and 25-60 months.

RESULTS

The number of RSV-related hospitalizations increased every season, both before and through the ending phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a shift in the seasonality pattern of RSV infection. Hospitalization rates per 1000 inhabitants were the highest for children aged 0-12 months, reaching 47.3 in the 2022/23 season. Within this group, the highest hospitalization rate was observed for children aged 2-3 months-94.9 in the 2022/23 season. During the ending phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the observed increase in admission rates was 2-, 4-, and 5-fold the pre-COVID rate for children aged <12 months, 12-24 months, and 25-60 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In Poland, RSV infections cause a significant burden in hospitalized children aged less than 5 years. RSV-related hospitalizations were most frequent in children aged less than 1 year. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a shift in the seasonality pattern of RSV infections. After the pandemic, more RSV-related hospitalizations were observed in older children (aged 13 months and older) vs. the pre-pandemic phase.

Predictors of prolonged length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality in patients aged 1-24 months with acute bronchiolitis in Douala, Cameroon

INTRODUCTION

In Cameroon, acute bronchiolitis has been reported as the third commonest lower respiratory infection and is usually associated with low mortality. Nonetheless, respiratory distress associated with non-adherence to management guidelines can prolong hospital stay. This study aimed to explore predictors of prolonged hospital stay (≥ 5 days) and mortality in patients aged < 2years hospitalised for acute bronchiolitis.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at three paediatric units in the city of Douala, Cameroon. Factors associated with prolonged hospital stay and mortality were determined using multivariable linear regression model. Threshold for significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 215 patients with bronchiolitis were included with mean age of 6.94 ± 5.71 months and M/F sex ratio of 1.39/1. Prolonged hospital stay was reported in 46.98% and mortality in 10.70% of patients hospitalised for bronchiolitis. Factors independently associated with prolonged hospital duration were oxygen administration [b = 0.36, OR = 2.35 (95% CI:1.16-4.74), p = 0.017], abnormal respiratory rate [b = 0.38, OR = 2.13 (1.00-4.55), p = 0.050] and patients presenting with cough [b = 0.33, OR = 2.35 (95% CI: 1.22-4.51), p = 0.011], and diarrhoea [b = 0.71, OR = 6.44 (95% CI: 1.6-25.86), p = 0.009] on admission. On the other hand, factors independently associated with mortality were age of the patient [b= -0.07, OR = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74-0.97), p = 0.014] and oxygen administration [b = 1.08, OR = 9.64 (95% CI:1.16-79.85), p = 0.036] CONCLUSION: Acute bronchiolitis represented 1.24% of admissions and was common in the rainy season, in males and 3-11-month-old patients. Management guidelines were poorly respected. Prolonged length of stay was reported in half of the patients hospitalized and mortality was high, especially in younger patients and in patients receiving oxygen.

Epidemiology of Bronchiolitis and Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Analysis of Length of Stay from 2015 to 2022: Retrospective Observational Study of Hospital Discharge Records from an Italian Southern Province before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

Severe respiratory infections, including pneumonia or bronchiolitis, caused by RSV can range from mild upper respiratory tract infections to those leading to hospitalization and serious complications such as respiratory failure in children. High-risk groups, such as premature infants and infants with underlying medical conditions, have a higher susceptibility to severe RSV disease. We conducted a retrospective study from years 2015 to 2022 in the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Pescara that counts about 320,000 inhabitants, with the aim to evaluate the burden of RSV infection, focusing on the incidence, hospitalization, and characteristics that may prolong hospital stays.

METHODS

All hospitalizations from 2015 to 2022 were extracted from the hospital discharge record. The monthly hospitalization rates were calculated and standardized by gender and age for the population resident in the Province of Pescara on 1 January 2015.

RESULTS

During the study period, 31,837 admissions were reported among patients aged less than 6 years. Of those, 520 hospitalizations were referred for bronchiolitis. Monthly admission rates highlighted the seasonality of bronchiolitis admissions, with higher rates in the months from December to March in all study years included. The winter seasons of years 2021 and 2022 reported a surge in bronchiolitis incidence, with a rate of 4.0/1000 (95% CI 2.964-5.146) in December 2021 and 4.0 (95% CI 2.891-5.020) in December 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchiolitis represents an important cause of hospitalization among patients aged less than 6 years. The incidence was particularly increased during the winter seasons in years 2021 and 2022.

Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in the European Union: estimation of RSV-associated hospitalizations in children under 5 years

BACKGROUND

No overall estimate of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated hospitalizations in children aged under 5 years has been published for the European Union (EU). We aimed to estimate the RSV hospitalization burden in children aged under 5 years in EU countries and Norway, by age group.

METHODS

We collated national RSV-associated hospitalization estimates calculated using linear regression models via the RESCEU project for Denmark, England, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, and Scotland, 2006-2018. Additional estimates were obtained from a systematic review. Using multiple imputation and nearest neighbor matching methods, we estimated overall RSV-associated hospitalizations and rates in the EU.

RESULTS

Additional estimates for 2 countries (France and Spain) were found in the literature. In the EU, an average of 245 244 (95% confidence interval [CI], 224 688-265 799) yearly hospital admissions with a respiratory infection per year were associated with RSV in children aged under 5 years, with most cases occurring among children aged under 1 year (75%). Infants aged under 2 months represented the most affected group (71.6 per 1000 children; 95% CI, 66.6-76.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings will help support decisions regarding prevention efforts and represent an important benchmark to understand changes in the RSV burden following the introduction of RSV immunization programs in Europe.

Clinical epidemiology and disease burden of bronchiolitis in hospitalized children in China: a national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is a common acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) and the most frequent cause of hospitalization of infants and young children with ALRTI. Respiratory syncytial virus is the main pathogen that leads to severe bronchiolitis. The disease burden is relatively high. To date, few descriptions of the clinical epidemiology and disease burden of children hospitalized for bronchiolitis are available. This study reports the general clinical epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of bronchiolitis in hospitalized children in China.

METHODS

This study included the face sheet of discharge medical records collected from 27 tertiary children's hospitals from January 2016 to December 2020 that were aggregated into the FUTang Update medical REcords (FUTURE) database. The sociodemographic variables, length of stay (LOS) and disease burden of children with bronchiolitis were analyzed and compared using appropriate statistical tests.

RESULTS

In total, 42,928 children aged 0-3 years were hospitalized due to bronchiolitis from January 2016 to December 2020, accounting for 1.5% of the total number of hospitalized children of the same age in the database during the period and 5.31% of the hospitalizations for ALRTI. The male to female ratio was 2.01:1. Meanwhile, more boys than girls were observed in different regions, age groups, years, and residences. The 1-2 year age group had the greatest number of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis, while the 29 days-6 months group had the largest proportion of the total inpatients and inpatients with ALRTI in the same age group. In terms of region, the hospitalization rate of bronchiolitis was the highest in East China. Overall, the number of hospitalizations from 2017 to 2020 showed a decreasing trend from that in 2016. Seasonally, the peak hospitalizations for bronchiolitis occurred in winter. Hospitalization rates in North China in autumn and winter were higher than those in South China, while hospitalization rates in South China were higher in spring and summer. Approximately, half of the patients with bronchiolitis had no complications. Among the complications, myocardial injury, abnormal liver function and diarrhea were more common. The median LOS was 6 days [interquartile range (IQR) = 5-8], and the median hospitalization cost was 758 United States dollars (IQR = 601.96-1029.53).

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory disease in infants and young children in China, and it accounts for a higher proportion of both total hospitalizations and hospitalizations due to ALRTI in children. Among them, children aged 29 days-2 years are the main hospitalized population, and the hospitalization rate of boys is significantly higher than that of girls. The peak season for bronchiolitis is winter. Bronchiolitis causes few complications and has a low mortality rate, but the burden of this disease is heavy.

Clinical and economic hospital burden of acute respiratory infection (BARI) due to respiratory syncytial virus in Spanish children, 2015-2018

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in children, causing frequent outpatient visits and hospitalizations. Our study aimed to describe the clinical and direct economic burden of ALRI hospitalizations related to RSV in children in Spain and the characteristics of patients and their episodes. In this retrospective study, ALRI hospitalizations in children aged < 5 years for 2015-2018 were reviewed using anonymized administrative public hospital discharge data from Spain. Three case definitions were considered: (a) RSV-specific; (b) RSV-specific and unspecified acute bronchiolitis (RSV-specific and bronchiolitis); and (c) RSV-specific and unspecified ALRI (RSV-specific and ALRI). The study reported a mean of 36,743 yearly admissions potentially due to RSV, resulting in a mean annual cost of €87.1 million. RSV-specific codes accounted for 39.2% of cases, unspecified acute bronchiolitis for 20.1%, and other unspecified ALRI codes for the remaining 40.6%. The mean hospitalization rate per 1,000 children was 55.5 in the first year of life, 16.0 in the second, and 5.4 between 24 and 59 months. A considerable proportion of cases occurred in children under two years old (> 80.4%) and even during the first year of life (> 61.7%). Otherwise healthy children accounted for 92.9% of hospitalizations and 83.3% of costs during the period. Children born preterm accounted for 1.3% of hospitalizations and 5.7% of costs. The findings revealed that RSV still contributes to a high burden on the Spanish health care system. Children under one year of age and otherwise healthy term infants accounted for most of the substantial clinical and economic burden of RSV. Current evidence potentially underestimates the true epidemiology and burden of severe RSV infection; thus, further studies focusing on the outpatient setting are needed.

Vaccination against Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Spanish Adults: Practical Recommendations by the NeumoExperts Prevention Group

In the adult population, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a serious disease that is responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates, being frequently associated with multidrug resistant pathogens. The aim of this review is to update a practical immunization prevention guideline for CAP in Spain caused by prevalent respiratory pathogens, based on the available scientific evidence through extensive bibliographic review and expert opinion. The emergence of COVID-19 as an additional etiological cause of CAP, together with the rapid changes in the availability of vaccines and recommendations against SARS-CoV-2, justifies the need for an update. In addition, new conjugate vaccines of broader spectrum against pneumococcus, existing vaccines targeting influenza and pertussis or upcoming vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will be very useful prophylactic tools to diminish the burden of CAP and all of its derived complications. In this manuscript, we provide practical recommendations for adult vaccination against the pathogens mentioned above, including their contribution against antibiotic resistance. This guide is intended for the individual perspective of protection and not for vaccination policies, as we do not pretend to interfere with the official recommendations of any country. The use of vaccines is a realistic approach to fight these infections and ameliorate the impact of antimicrobial resistance. All of the recently available scientific evidence included in this review gives support to the indications established in this practical guide to reinforce the dissemination and implementation of these recommendations in routine clinical practice.

Burden and severity of children's hospitalizations by respiratory syncytial virus in Portugal, 2015-2018

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in young children and is of considerable burden on healthcare systems. Our study aimed to evaluate ALRI hospitalizations related to RSV in children in Portugal.

METHODS

We reviewed hospitalizations potentially related to RSV in children aged <5 years from 2015 to 2018, using anonymized administrative data covering all public hospital discharges in mainland Portugal. Three case definitions were considered: (a) RSV-specific, (b) (a) plus unspecified acute bronchiolitis (RSV-specific & Bronchiolitis), and (c) (b) plus unspecified ALRI (RSV-specific & ALRI).

RESULTS

A total of 9697 RSV-specific hospitalizations were identified from 2015 to 2018-increasing to 26 062 for RSV-specific & ALRI hospitalizations-of which 74.7% were during seasons 2015/2016-2017/2018 (November-March). Mean hospitalization rates per season were, for RSV-specific, RSV-specific & Bronchiolitis, and RSV-specific & ALRI, respectively, 5.6, 9.4, and 11.8 per 1000 children aged <5 years and 13.4, 22.5, and 25.9 in children aged <2 years. Most RSV-specific hospitalizations occurred in healthy children (94.9%) and in children aged <2 years (96.3%). Annual direct costs of €2.4 million were estimated for RSV-specific hospitalizations-rising to €5.1 million for RSV-specific & ALRI-mostly driven by healthy children (87.6%).

CONCLUSION

RSV is accountable for a substantial number of hospitalizations in children, especially during their first year of life. Hospitalizations are mainly driven by healthy children. The variability of the potential RSV burden across case definitions highlights the need for a universal RSV surveillance system to guide prevention strategies.

Clinical and economic burden of respiratory syncytial virus in Spanish children: the BARI study

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of morbidity in children. However, its disease burden remains poorly understood, particularly outside of the hospital setting. Our study aimed to estimate the burden of medically attended acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) cases potentially related to RSV in Spanish children. Longitudinal data from September 2017 to June 2018 of 51,292 children aged < 5 years old from the National Healthcare System (NHS) of two Spanish regions were used. Three case definitions were considered: (a) RSV-specific; (b) RSV-specific and unspecified acute bronchiolitis (RSV-specific and Bronchiolitis), and; (c) RSV-specific and unspecified ALRI (RSV-specific and ALRI). A total of 3460 medically attended ALRI cases potentially due to RSV were identified, of which 257 (7.4%), 164 (4.7%), and 3039 (87.8%) coded with RSV-specific, unspecific bronchiolitis, and unspecific ALRI codes, respectively. Medically attended RSV-specific and ALRI cases per 1000 children was 134.4 in the first year of life, 119.4 in the second, and 35.3 between 2 and 5 years old. Most cases were observed in otherwise healthy children (93.1%). Mean direct healthcare cost per medically attended RSV-specific and ALRI case was €1753 in the first year of life, €896 in the second, and €683 between 2 and 5 years old. Hospitalization was the main driver of these costs, accounting for 55.6%, 38.0% and 33.4%, in each respective age group. In RSV-specific cases, mean direct healthcare cost per medically attended case was higher, mostly due to hospitalization: €3362 in the first year of life (72.9% from hospitalizations), €3252 in the second (72.1%), and €3514 between 2 and 5 years old (74.2%). These findings suggest that hospitalization data alone will underestimate the RSV infections requiring medical care, as will relying only on RSV-specific codes. RSV testing and codification must be improved and preventive solutions adopted, to protect all infants, particularly during the first year of life.

Parental knowledge about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and attitudes to infant immunization with monoclonal antibodies

BACKGROUND

Ninety percent of all children are infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) within their first two years of life. RSV is the main cause behind hospitalization of infants with lower respiratory tract infections. A new monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunization may prevent RSV in all infants. This cross-national study aimed to examine parental knowledge about RSV and attitudes to such RSV immunization.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Based on a literature study, a questionnaire was designed and applied in a survey carried out in China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK, and the US. Eligible respondents were expecting their first baby or parents of children <24 months old who were open to vaccination.

RESULTS

Parental acceptance of immunizations relies on perceptions of the preventable disease. In 5627 parents, only 35% reported basic or good level of knowledge about RSV. Recommendation from health care professionals and inclusion in immunization programs were crucial to their acceptance of RSV immunization. If recommended and informed about its efficacy and safety, most parents would accept RSV mAb immunization for their infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Infant RSV infections are highly prevalent, yet parental awareness of RSV is poor. Country variations call for targeted communication about RSV and immunization.

Clinical Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Hospitalized Children Aged ≤5 years (INSPIRE Study)

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalizations in children (≤5 years of age); limited data compare burden by age.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study included children (≤5 years of age) hospitalized for >24 hours with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)–confirmed RSV infection (2015–2018). Hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, ICU LOS, supplemental oxygen, and medication use were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified predictors of hospital LOS >5 days.

Results

Three hundred twelve patients had RSV infection (ages 0 to <6 months [35%], 6 to <12 months [15%], 1 to <2 years [25%], and 2–5 years [25%]); 16.3% had predefined comorbidities (excludes preterm infants). Median hospital LOS was 5.0 days and similar across age; 5.1% (16/312) were admitted to ICU (ICU LOS, 5.0 days), with those aged 0 to <6 months admitted most frequently (10/108 [9.3%]). Supplemental oxygen was administered in 57.7% of patients, with similar need across ages. Antibiotics were administered frequently during hospitalization (43.6%). Predictors of prolonged LOS included pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], 2.33), supplemental oxygen need (OR, 5.09), and preterm births (OR, 3.37). High viral load (RT-PCR RSV cycle threshold value <25) was associated with greater need for supplemental oxygen.

Conclusions

RSV causes substantial burden in hospitalized children (≤5 years), particularly preterm infants and those aged <6 months.

Burden of respiratory syncytial virus-associated lower respiratory infections in children in Spain from 2012 to 2018

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) leading to infant hospitalization, morbidity and postnatal mortality in children younger than 5 years of age worldwide. The aim of this study was to collect data on hospitalizations for RSV-related ALRI in children in Spain from 2012 to 2018.

METHODS

We used the discharge reports from the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) to retrospectively analyze hospital discharge data in children ≤ 14 years of age with a diagnosis of acute lower respiratory tract infection, based on the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, from 2012 to 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 190,474 children, 58.1% boys and 41.9% girls, were admitted for lower respiratory tract infections in Spain, including 118,731 cases of bronchiolitis, 53,972 cases of bronchitis, 3710 cases of RSV-positive pneumonia, and 14,061 cases of RSV infections. Of these, 92,426 children (48.5%) had laboratory-confirmed RSV infection. The mean case fatality rate was almost 6 times higher for pneumonia (0.6%) than for bronchiolitis (0.1%) or bronchitis (0.1%). A significant linear increase in the mean annual hospitalization rate for pneumonia of almost 15% per year was found, with no changes in the trend over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

RSV-related respiratory infections remain a leading cause of infant hospitalization in Spain. Effective antiviral treatments and preventive vaccines are urgently needed for the management of RSV infection in children, especially for those aged 6 to 12 months.

Role of age and birth month in infants hospitalized with RSV-confirmed disease in the Valencia Region, Spain

Background

RSV is the leading cause of hospital admissions in infants and the principal cause of bronchiolitis in young children. There is a lack of granular data on RSV‐associated hospitalization per season using laboratory confirmed results. Our current study addresses this issue and intends to fill this gap.

Methods

The study was conducted from 2014 through 2018, in 4 to 10 hospitals in the Valencia Region, Spain. Infants included in this study were admitted in hospital through the Emergency Department with a respiratory complaint and tested by RT‐PCR for RSV in a central laboratory.

Results

Incidence rates of RSV‐associated hospitalization varied by season and hospital. Overall, the highest incidence rates were observed in 2017/2018. RSV‐associated hospitalization was highest in infants below 3 months of age and in those born before or at the beginning of the RSV season. Almost 54% of total infants hospitalized with laboratory confirmed RSV were found to be born outside the season, from April to October. The RSV positivity rate by ICD‐10 discharged codes varied by season and age with results from 48% to 57% among LRI (J09‐J22).

Conclusion

The study was instrumental in bringing forth the time unpredictability of RSV epidemics, the critical impact of age, and the comparable distribution of RSV‐associated hospitalization in infants born on either side of the RSV season. These data could help in better characterization of the population that drives the healthcare burden and is crucial for the development of future immunization strategies, especially with upcoming vaccines in against RSV.

Safety of airway clearance combined with bronchodilator and hypertonic saline in non-hospitalized infants with acute bronchiolitis

BACKGROUND

Acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) is associated with significant morbidity and no study has addressed the safety of airway clearance techniques (ACT) for non-hospitalized infants. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of the use of ACT combined with bronchodilator and hypertonic saline in non-hospitalized children with the first episode of AVB.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study of infants aged 2-12 months, with a clinical diagnosis of AVB (mild to moderate), was performed. The Wang score, breathing frequency, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), heart rate (HR), and the presence of adverse events were evaluated before, 10 and 20 min after the application of a protocol including ACT (nasal irrigation, prolonged slow expiration, and provoked cough), bronchodilator and hypertonic saline inhalation. A total of 265 infants, mean age 6.86±3.01 months, were included.

RESULTS

A reduction (p<0.001) in the Wang score and in the breathing frequency as well as an increase in SpO₂ were found. There was also a transient HR increment at 10 min followed by a reduction at 20 min (p<0.05). The proportion of patients presenting with chest retraction and wheezing decreased (p<0.001) after treatment. Most of the children (88.3%) did not experience adverse events. A post-treatment increment (p<0.001) of patients classified as having normal values, as well as a decrease in those with mild and moderate AVB, was found for the Wang score levels.

CONCLUSION

The use of ACT combined with bronchodilator and hypertonic saline was safe, immediately after treatment, for non-hospitalized children with mild to moderate AVB. No clinically important deterioration or adverse events were identified in the follow-up period.

Maternal RSV vaccine development. Where to from here?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection and is responsible for a large proportion of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most RSV-related deaths occur in children under six months, and the majority of these occur in low-income settings. To date, there is no known efficacious treatment for RSV infection; hence, prevention remains an important strategy to reduce the global burden of disease. Monoclonal antibodies and vaccinations are currently the two main approaches for prevention of RSV disease. Maternal RSV vaccination is of particular interest as a strategy to protect infants during their most vulnerable period as this approach has proven highly efficacious in other vaccine-preventable conditions such as pertussis and influenza. As results from ongoing phase III clinical trials become available, important decisions will need to be made about the priority and potential implementation of RSV vaccines alongside other public health measures.

Burden of severe bronchiolitis in children up to 2 years of age in Spain from 2012 to 2017

Bronchiolitis represents a heavy burden of disease in children under 2 years of age in our society due to the high infectivity of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus [RSV] and the vulnerability of the youngest children.

The objective of this retrospective epidemiological study was to show the burden of severe bronchiolitis in Spain through population-based estimates of hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis in children up to 24 months old during a 6-year period (2012–2017).

A total of 100,115 cases of bronchiolitis required hospitalization in Spain from 2012 to 2017. Most cases of bronchiolitis that required hospitalization were in infants under 3 months of age. The hospitalization rate for bronchiolitis for children under 1 year of age was 3,838.27 per 100,000 healthy children. During the 6-year study period, a total of 82 deaths due to bronchiolitis were reported among hospitalized infants. Among these deaths, more than 50% were in patients younger than 3 months of age. The annual average cost to the National Health Care System was €58 M, with a mean hospitalization cost of €3,512 per case.

Personal and Environmental Risk Factors at Birth and Hospital Admission: Direct and Vitamin D-Mediated Effects on Bronchiolitis Hospitalization in Italian Children

Seasonal variations in UV-B radiation may influence vitamin D status, and this, in turn, may influence the risk of bronchiolitis hospitalization. The aim of this study was using a causal inference approach to investigate, simultaneously, the interrelationships between personal and environmental risk factors at birth/hospital admission (RFBH), serum vitamin D levels and bronchiolitis hospitalization. A total of 63 children (<2 years old) hospitalized for bronchiolitis (34 RSV-positive) and 63 controls were consecutively enrolled (2014-2016). Vitamin D levels and some RFBH (birth season, birth weight, gestational age, gender, age, weight, hospitalization season) were recorded. The discovered RFBH effects on the risk ok bronchiolitis hospitalization were decomposed into direct and vitamin-D mediated ones through Mediation Analysis. Winter-spring season (vs. summer-autumn) was significantly associated with lower vitamin D levels (mean difference -11.14 nmol/L). Increasing serum vitamin D levels were significantly associated with a lower risk of bronchiolitis hospitalization (OR = 0.84 for a 10-nmol/L increase). Winter-spring season and gestational age (one-week increase) were significantly and directly associated with bronchiolitis hospitalization (OR = 6.37 and OR = 0.78 respectively), while vitamin D-mediated effects were negligible (1.21 and 1.02 respectively). Using a comprehensive causal approach may enhance the understanding of the complex interrelationships among RFBH, vitamin D and bronchiolitis hospitalization.

Respiratory and pharmacological management in severe acute bronchiolitis: Were clinical guidelines not written for critical care?

PURPOSE

The treatment applied for children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for severe acute bronchiolitis may differ from general recommendations. The first objective of our study was to describe the treatments offered to these children in a Spanish tertiary PICU. The second objective was to analyse the changes in management derived from the publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) bronchiolitis guideline in 2014.

METHODS

This was a retrospective-prospective observational study conducted during two epidemic waves (2014-2015 and 2015-2016). The AAP guidelines were distributed and taught to PICU staff between both epidemic waves.

RESULTS

A total of 138 children were enrolled (78 male). In the first period, 78 children were enrolled. The median age was 1.8 months (IQR 1.1-3.6). There were no differences between the management in the two periods, except for the use of high-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT); its use increased in the second period. Overall, 83% of patients received non-invasive ventilation or HFOT. Children older than 12 months received HFOT exclusively. In comparison, continuous positive airway pressure and bi-level positive airway pressure were used less during the period 2015-2016 (P=0.036). Regarding pharmacological therapy, 70% of patients received antibiotics, 23% steroids, 33% salbutamol, 31% adrenaline, and 7% hypertonic saline. The mortality rate was zero.

CONCLUSIONS

Our PICU did not follow the AAP recommendations. There were no differences between the two periods, except in the use of HFOT. All children older than 12 months received HFOT exclusively. The rate of using invasive mechanical ventilation was also low.

Melatonin potentials against viral infections including COVID-19: Current evidence and new findings

Viral infections are dangerous diseases for human health worldwide, which lead to significant morbidity and mortality each year. Because of their importance and the lack of effective therapeutic approaches, further attempts should be made to discover appropriate alternative or complementary treatments. Melatonin, a multifunctional neurohormone mainly synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland, plays some roles in the treatment of viral infections. Regarding a deadly outbreak of COVID-19 across the world, we decided to discuss melatonin functions against various viral infections including COVID-19. Therefore, in this review, we summarize current evidence on melatonin therapy for viral infections with focus on possible underlying mechanisms of melatonin actions.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus hospitalization burden: a nation-wide population-based analysis, 2000-2017

OBJECTIVES

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a known cause of morbidity among young children, while RSV-related disease in the elderly is not fully recognized. Several RSV candidate vaccines for infants, pregnant women and adults are under development. We aimed to estimate nationwide age-specific hospitalizations and seasonal trends, to help determine the optimal age for vaccination.

METHODS

Hospitalizations with a primary RSV-related diagnoses were retrieved from the National Hospital Database for the years 2000-2017. Data were analyzed by year, month and age group to determine hospitalization rates and seasonal trends.

RESULTS

During the analysis period, 39,156 hospitalizations received primary RSV-related ICD-9 diagnostic codes. The highest mean yearly hospitalization rate occurred among infants <1 year of life (1,218.4 per 100,000). Within the first year of life, the highest mean yearly hospitalization rate was observed in the second month of life (3,541.5 hospitalizations per 100,000). Hospitalization rates for individuals ≥5 years old increased during the study period, primarily among patients ≥65 years of age, reaching hospitalization rate of 9 per 100,000 in 2017. A clear seasonal pattern was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

An effective vaccine for infants and pregnant women has the potential to reduce hospitalizations burden. RSV-related hospitalizations burden among adults requires additional research.

A Meta-Analysis of Multiple Whole Blood Gene Expression Data Unveils a Diagnostic Host-Response Transcript Signature for Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the major causes of acute lower respiratory tract infection worldwide. The absence of a commercial vaccine and the limited success of current therapeutic strategies against RSV make further research necessary. We used a multi-cohort analysis approach to investigate host transcriptomic biomarkers and shed further light on the molecular mechanism underlying RSV-host interactions. We meta-analyzed seven transcriptome microarray studies from the public Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository containing a total of 922 samples, including RSV, healthy controls, coronaviruses, enteroviruses, influenzas, rhinoviruses, and coinfections, from both adult and pediatric patients. We identified > 1500 genes differentially expressed when comparing the transcriptomes of RSV-infected patients against healthy controls. Functional enrichment analysis showed several pathways significantly altered, including immunologic response mediated by RSV infection, pattern recognition receptors, cell cycle, and olfactory signaling. In addition, we identified a minimal 17-transcript host signature specific for RSV infection by comparing transcriptomic profiles against other respiratory viruses. These multi-genic signatures might help to investigate future drug targets against RSV infection.

Clinical burden of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection during the first 2 years of life in children born between 2000 and 2011 in Scotland

National data from Scotland (all births from 2000 to 2011) were used to estimate the burden associated with respiratory syncytial virus hospitalisation (RSVH) during the first 2 years of life. RSVHs were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes. Of 623,770 children, 13,362 (2.1%) had ≥ 1 RSVH by 2 years, with the overall rate being 27.2/1000 (16,946 total RSVHs). Median age at first RSVH was 137 days (interquartile range [IQR] 62-264), with 84.3% of admissions occurring by 1 year. Median length of stay was 2 (IQR 1-4) days and intensive care unit (ICU) admission was required by 4.3% (727) for a median 5 (IQR 2-8) days. RSVHs accounted for 6.9% (5089/73,525) of ICU bed days and 6.2% (64,395/1,033,121) of overall bed days (5370/year). RSVHs represented 8.5% (14,243/168,205) of all admissions between October and March and 14.2% (8470/59,535) between December and January. RSVH incidence ranged from 1.7 to 2.5%/year over the study period. Preterms (RSVH incidence 5.2%), and those with congenital heart disease (10.5%), congenital lung disease (11.2%), Down syndrome (14.8%), cerebral palsy (15.5%), cystic fibrosis (12.6%), and neuromuscular disorders (17.0%) were at increased risk of RSVH.Conclusions: RSV causes a substantial burden on Scottish paediatric services during the winter months.What is known:• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of childhood hospitalisation.What is new:• This 12-year study is the first to estimate the burden of RSV hospitalisation (RSVH) in Scotland and included all live births from 2000 to 2011 and followed > 600,000 children until 2 years old.• The overall RSVH rate was 27.2/1000 children, with 2.1% being hospitalised ≥ 1 times.• RSVHs accounted for 6.2% of all inpatient bed days, which rose to 14.2% during the peak months of the RSV season (December-January), equating to over 1400 hospitalisations and nearly 5500 bed days each year.

Nursing intensity scores did not correlate well with reimbursement claims for infant bronchiolitis

AIM

We retrospectively evaluated the hospital reimbursement rates for inpatient bronchiolitis treatment and then compared them to the RAFAELA^® nursing intensity scores.

METHODS

We selected all 44 bronchiolitis patients treated in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and then for each PICU-treated patient two patients treated on the ward (n = 88) under 12 months of age in 2010-2015. The data included medical histories, hospital reimbursement rates using the Nordic Diagnosis Related Groups (NordDRG) or expense categories and the RAFAELA^® scores.

RESULTS

Reimbursement claims were mostly based on expense categories for PICU admissions and NordDRG categories for ward admissions. The median (range) was €6352 (€1330-30 554) and €2009 (€768-6027) per episode for the PICU and ward cases, respectively. The median lengths of hospital stay were 8.5 days (3-18) and 3 days (1-8), respectively. Higher RAFAELA^® scores were associated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy and mechanical ventilation in the PICU and oxygen supplementation and nasogastric tube feeding on the ward. The correlation coefficients between RAFAELA^® scores and hospital reimbursement claims ranged from 0.121-0.450.

CONCLUSION

Hospital reimbursement claim for a PICU admission was three times as much as a ward admission and reimbursement claims for bronchiolitis did not match with nursing intensity scores.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): a scourge from infancy to old age

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common single cause of respiratory hospitalisation of infants and is the second largest cause of lower respiratory infection mortality worldwide. In adults, RSV is an under-recognised cause of deterioration in health, particularly in frail elderly persons. Infection rates typically rise in late autumn and early winter causing bronchiolitis in infants, common colds in adults and insidious respiratory illness in the elderly. Virus detection methods optimised for use in children have low detection rate in adults, highlighting the need for better diagnostic tests. There are many vaccines under development, mostly based on the surface glycoprotein F which exists in two conformations (prefusion and postfusion). Much of the neutralising antibody appears to be to the prefusion form. Vaccines being developed include live attenuated, subunit, particle based and live vectored agents. Different vaccine strategies may be appropriate for different target populations: at-risk infants, school-age children, adult caregivers and the elderly. Antiviral drugs are in clinical trial and may find a place in disease management. RSV disease is one of the major remaining common tractable challenges in infectious diseases and the era of vaccines and antivirals for RSV is on the near horizon.

[Criteria heterogeneity in the diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis in Spain]

INTRODUCTION

Acute viral bronchiolitis (AB) is one of the most common respiratory diseases in infants. However, diagnostic criteria for AB are heterogeneous and not very well known.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the diagnostic criteria for AB used by experts and clinical paediatricians in Spain.

METHODS

Delphi study with Spanish AB experts, looking for the points of agreement about AB diagnosis. A subsequent cross-sectional study was conducted by means of an on-line questionnaire addressed to all Spanish paediatricians, reached through electronic mail messages sent by nine paediatric scientific societies. Descriptive and factorial analyses were carried out, looking for any association of diagnostic criteria with demographic or geographic variables, or with paediatric subspecialty.

RESULTS

Agreement was reached by 40 experts in many issues (first episode of respiratory distress and high respiratory frequency, diagnosis in any season of the year, and usefulness of virus identification in making diagnosis), but opposite views were maintained on key characteristics such as the maximum age for diagnosis. The on-line questionnaire was completed by 1297 paediatricians. Their diagnostic criteria were heterogeneous and strongly associated with their paediatric sub-specialty. Their agreement with the Spanish expert consensus and with international standards was very poor.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic criteria for AB in Spain are heterogeneous. These differences could cause variability in clinical practice with AB patients.

Criteria heterogeneity in the diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis in Spain

INTRODUCTION

Acute viral bronchiolitis (AB) is one of the most common respiratory diseases in infants. However, diagnostic criteria for AB are heterogeneous and not very well known.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the diagnostic criteria for AB used by experts and clinical paediatricians in Spain.

METHODS

Delphi study with Spanish AB experts, looking for the points of agreement about AB diagnosis. A subsequent cross-sectional study was conducted by means of an online questionnaire addressed to all Spanish paediatricians, reached through electronic mail messages sent by nine paediatric scientific societies. Descriptive and factorial analyses were carried out, looking for any association of diagnostic criteria with demographic or geographic variables, or with paediatric subspecialty.

RESULTS

Agreement was reached by 40 experts in many issues (first episode of respiratory distress and high respiratory frequency, diagnosis in any season of the year, and usefulness of virus identification in making diagnosis), but opposite views were maintained on key characteristics such as the maximum age for diagnosis. The online questionnaire was completed by 1297 paediatricians. Their diagnostic criteria were heterogeneous and strongly associated with their paediatric sub-specialty. Their agreement with the Spanish expert consensus and with international standards was very poor.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic criteria for AB in Spain are heterogeneous. These differences could cause variability in clinical practice with AB patients.

Incidence and seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus hospitalisations in young children in Denmark, 2010 to 2015

For future decisions on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-vaccination strategies and implementation into national immunisation-programmes, we used national registry data (hospitalisation, microbiology and vital statistics) to determine the age-specific incidence and direct medical costs of annual RSV-associated admissions in children < 5 years-old for the period of 2010–2015. We identified ca 2,500 RSV-associated hospitalisations annually amounting to total direct medical-costs of ca EUR 4.1 million per year. The incidence of RSV-associated hospitalisations peaked in infants 1–2 months of age followed by infants 2–3 months of age, and infants < 1 month of age, respectively. Infant boys were at higher risk of severe RSV infection as compared to infant girls: male-to-female ratio peaked with 1.4 at four months of age and gradually levelled out with increasing age to 1.0 at 4 years of age. Five RSV-associated deaths were identified. Our findings demonstrate that in a western country as Denmark, RSV constitutes a considerable burden on childhood health. Furthermore, the best approach to reduce the high incidence of RSV-associated hospitalisations in young infants < 3 months of age may be maternal vaccination due to general challenges in achieving sufficient and protective immune responses in young infants.

Respiratory syncytial virus hospitalization in children in northern Spain

OBJECTIVES

Understanding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) morbidity may help to plan health care and future vaccine recommendations. We aim to describe the characteristics and temporal distribution of children diagnosed with RSV admitted in a Spanish hospital.

METHODS

Descriptive study for which the hospital discharges of children < 5 years of age with RSV infection were analyzed. The information was extracted from the hospital discharge database of a reference pediatric hospital in northern Spain for the 2010-2011 to 2014-2015 RSV seasons.

RESULTS

Six hundred and forty-seven hospitalizations of children with RSV infection were analyzed, 94% of which occurred between the second week of November and the last week of March. Most children (72%) were under one year of age and 95% were previously healthy infants. Infants born from October to December had the highest risk of hospitalization in the first year of life. The median length of hospital stay of children with and without comorbidities was six and three days, respectively. 6.5% of the hospitalized cases were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit; this percentage was higher among children < 2 months (adjusted odds ratio 4.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.37-12.61) or with comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio 4.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.53-11.28). The case lethality was 0.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of hospitalizations for RSV is high during the first year of life and increases among infants born in the fall. Being under two months of age and presenting comorbidities are the main risk factors associated to pediatric intensive care unit admission.

Severe outcomes associated with respiratory viruses in newborns and infants: a prospective viral surveillance study in Jordan

OBJECTIVE

To assess virus-specific hospitalisation rates, risk factors for illness severity and seasonal trends in children hospitalised with acute respiratory infections (ARI).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

A government hospital serving low-income and middle-income population in Amman, Jordan.

PARTICIPANTS

Children under 2 years of age hospitalised with fever and/or respiratory symptoms (n=3168) from 16 March 2010 to 31 March 2013. Children with chemotherapy-associated neutropenia and newborns who had never been discharged after birth were excluded from the study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Hospitalisation rates and markers of illness severity: admission to intensive care unit (ICU), mechanical ventilation (MV), oxygen therapy, length of stay (LOS) and death.

RESULTS

Of the 3168 subjects, 2581 (82%) had at least one respiratory virus detected, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most predominant pathogen isolated. During admission, 1013 (32%) received oxygen therapy, 284 (9%) were admitted to ICU, 111 (4%) were placed on MV and 31 (1%) children died. Oxygen therapy was higher in RSV-only subjects compared with human rhinovirus-only (42%vs29%, p<0.001), adenovirus-only (42%vs21%, p<0.001) and human parainfluenza virus-only (42%vs23%, p<0.001) subjects. The presence of an underlying medical condition was associated with oxygen therapy (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.95, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.56), ICU admission (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.71 to 3.68), MV (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.28) and longer LOS (aOR1.71, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.13). Similarly, younger age was associated with oxygen therapy (0.23, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.31), ICU admission (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.74), MV (0.28, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.53) and longer LOS (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.59). Pneumonia was strongly associated with longer LOS (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.65 to 2.60), oxygen therapy (aOR 2.94, 95% CI 2.22 to 3.89), ICU admission (aOR 3.12, 95% CI 2.16 to 4.50) and MV (aOR 3.33, 95% CI 1.85 to 6.00). Virus-specific hospitalisation rates ranged from 0.5 to 10.5 per 1000 children.

CONCLUSION

Respiratory viruses are associated with severe illness in Jordanian children hospitalised with ARI. Prevention strategies such as extended breast feeding, increased access to palivizumab and RSV vaccine development could help decrease hospitalisation rates and illness severity, particularly in young children with underlying medical conditions.

Human respiratory syncytial virus and hospitalization in young children in Italy

BACKGROUND

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is ubiquitous and causes respiratory diseases in both children and adults. Worldwide, hRSV pneumonia is the second cause of postnatal infant death after malaria. Given the high impact in terms of morbidity, mortality and costs, especially in the pediatric population, hRSV is recognized as a global health problem and the WHO, in view of the availability of new vaccines, has urged an active surveillance program of virus-related infections. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the impact of hRSV infections in the Italian population, particularly the pediatric one, in terms of hospitalizations.

METHODS

In the period 2001-2014, Hospital Discharge Records (HDRs) with the following diagnosis codes included in the primary diagnosis were evaluated: 466.11 (hRSV bronchiolitis), 480.1 (hRSV pneumonia) and 796 (hRSV). HDRs were supplied by the National Archive of HDRs data, Ministry of Health.

RESULTS

During the period 2001-2014, 57,656 hospital admissions due to hRSV pathologies were performed. Most hospitalizations (88.8%) involved patients with less than 1 year of age. Considering only primary diagnosis, 93% of the admissions were due to bronchiolitis, 5% to pneumonia and 2% to not otherwise specified hRSV infections. In the period 2001-2014, the hospitalization rate in 0-2 years old children, was equal to 224.8, 9.6 and 4.6/100,000 for hRSV bronchiolitis, hRSV pneumonia and not otherwise specified hRSV infection, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the high impact of hRSV on the pediatric population in the age class 0-4 years, with a peak in the first 12 months of life. Most hospitalizations were urgent, although the duration of the hospital stay was for the most part less than a week, with ordinary discharge at home. Pending the conclusion of ongoing clinical trials on different hRSV vaccine types, it is extremely important to have updated data on the impact of hRSV-related pathologies in the various age groups.

The cost-effectiveness of hypertonic saline inhalations for infant bronchiolitis: a decision analysis

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of hypertonic saline (HS) inhalations for infant bronchiolitis, compared to normal saline inhalations or standard treatment without inhalations as controls.

METHODS

The decision tree in the decision analysis was used to calculate the expected costs. Actual cost data were obtained from our retrospective case-control study on bronchiolitis treatment. The effectiveness of treatment, based on the hospitalization rate of those admitted to the emergency department and the length of stay (LOS) of those who were hospitalized, was collected from previous studies. For the effectiveness estimations, we made a meta-analysis summarizing the results of the meta-analysis of the Cochrane review in 2013 and the results of 10 studies published after it.

RESULTS

The mean hospitalization rate was 24.7% in the HS inhalation group and 32.6% in the control group [risk ratio: 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.96] and the mean LOS was 3.736 (HS group) and 4.292 (controls) days (mean difference: - 0.55 days, 95% CI - 0.96 to - 0.15), respectively. The expected costs per patient, when both inpatients and outpatients were included, were €816 ($1111) in the HS inhalation group and €962 ($1310) in the control group. The expected costs per hospitalization, when only inpatients were included, were €2600 ($3540) in the HS inhalation group and €2890 ($3935) in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

HS inhalations slightly reduced the expected hospitalization costs of infant bronchiolitis. However, the low effectiveness, rather than the cost, is the factor that will limit the use of HS inhalations in infant bronchiolitis.

A comparison of two clinical scores for bronchiolitis. A multicentre and prospective study conducted in hospitalised infants

BACKGROUND

There are a number of clinical scores for bronchiolitis but none of them are firmly recommended in the guidelines.

METHOD

We designed a study to compare two scales of bronchiolitis (ESBA and Wood Downes Ferres) and determine which of them better predicts the severity. A multicentre prospective study with patients <12 months with acute bronchiolitis was conducted. Each patient was assessed with the two scales when admission was decided. We created a new variable "severe condition" to determine whether one scale afforded better discrimination of severity. A diagnostic test analysis of sensitivity and specificity was made, with a comparison of the AUC. Based on the optimum cut-off points of the ROC curves for classifying bronchiolitis as severe we calculated new Se, Sp, LR+ and LR- for each scale in our sample.

RESULTS

201 patients were included, 66.7% males and median age 2.3 months (IQR=1.3-4.4). Thirteen patients suffered bronchiolitis considered to be severe, according to the variable severe condition. ESBA showed a Se=3.6%, Sp=98.1%, and WDF showed Se=46.2% and Sp=91.5%. The difference between the two AUC for each scale was 0.02 (95%CI: 0.01-0.15), p=0.72. With new cut-off points we could increase Se and Sp for ESBA: Se=84.6%, Sp=78.7%, and WDF showed Se=92.3% and Sp=54.8%; with higher LR.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the scales studied was considered optimum for assessing our patients. With new cut-off points, the scales increased the ability to classify severe infants. New validation studies are needed to prove these new cut-off points.

Palivizumab in the prevention of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection in children with congenital heart disease; a novel cost-utility modeling study reflecting evidence-based clinical pathways in Spain

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection remains one of the major reasons of re-hospitalization among children with congenital heart disease (CHD). This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of palivizumab prophylaxis versus placebo, in Spain, from the societal perspective, using a novel cost-effectiveness model reflecting evidence-based clinical pathways.

METHODS

A decision-analytic model, combining a decision tree structure in the first year and a Markov structure in later years, was constructed to evaluate the benefits and costs associated with palivizumab versus no prophylaxis among children with CHD. In the first year of the model, children were at risk of mild (i.e. medically attended, MA-RSV) and severe (hospitalized, RSV-H) RSV infection. The impact of delayed corrective CHD surgery due to RSV infection and the consequence of performed surgery despite severe infection were considered. In later years, patients were at risk of developing asthma and allergic sensitization as sequelae of RSV infection. Input data for the model were derived from the pivotal clinical trial and systematic literature reviews. Indirect costs included parental absence from work and nosocomial infections. In agreement with Spanish guidelines, costs and effects were discounted at 3%.

RESULTS

Over a lifetime horizon, palivizumab prophylaxis yielded 0.11 and 0.07 additional quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and life years (LYs), respectively, at additional costs of € 1,693, resulting in an ICER of € 15,748 per QALY gained and € 24,936 per LY gained. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the probability of palivizumab prophylaxis being cost-effective at a € 30,000 per QALY threshold was 92.7%. The ICER remained below this threshold for most extreme scenario analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The model demonstrated that palivizumab prophylaxis results in more QALYs than no prophylaxis in children with CHD. Palivizumab prophylaxis was shown to be a cost-effective health care intervention according to the commonly accepted standards of cost-effectiveness in Spain (ICER below the threshold of € 30,000 per QALY).

Epidemiology of bronchiolitis: a description of emergency department visits and hospitalizations in Puerto Rico, 2010-2014

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the epidemiology of bronchiolitis as a clinical diagnosis and its impact on emergency department visits and hospitalizations in tropical and semitropical regions. We described the epidemiology of bronchiolitis emergency visits and hospitalizations, its temporal trend and geographic distribution in Puerto Rico between 2010 and 2014.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective descriptive analysis of a representative sample of privately insured children with bronchiolitis from January 2010 to December 2014. Data was provided by the largest private health insurer in Puerto Rico and identified children < 24 months of age with bronchiolitis by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 466, 466.11, and 466.19. Chi-square and one-way ANOVA compared sex, age, diagnosis, and severity across the years. Joinpoint Poisson regression analysis evaluated the temporal trend distribution of bronchiolitis hospitalizations per calendar year. A P value less than 0.05 was statistically significant.

RESULTS

During the study period, the annual proportion of emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis increased from 3 to 5%, and 26 to 38%, respectively. The annual incidence rate of hospitalizations was 3.2 per 1000 privately insured children < 24 months. Non-RSV bronchiolitis was the most frequent diagnosis (51%). Hospitalizations occurred year-round, but increased significantly from August through December. Most children hospitalized resided in the metropolitan San Juan (35%) and surrounding urban areas. Total hospital charges decreased from $3.78 to $3.74 million, with an average cost per hospitalization of $4320.12 (11.3% increase; P = 0.0015).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study that evaluates the epidemiological characteristics of bronchiolitis in a primarily Hispanic population, living in a tropical country, and using data from a privately insured population. We found a small but significant increase in proportion of emergency visits and hospitalizations. Temporal trend shows year-round hospitalizations with an earlier seasonal peak and longer duration, consistent with Puerto Rico's seasonal rainfall throughout the study period. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether this epidemiologic pattern can also be seen in publicly insured children and whether Hispanic ethnicity is a risk factor for increased hospitalizations or is related to health disparities in the US healthcare system.

The Burden of Human Metapneumovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Hospitalized Norwegian Children

Background

The burden of severe human metapneumovirus (HMPV) respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in European children has not been clarified. We assessed HMPV in Norwegian children and compared hospitalization rates for HMPV and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled children (<16 years old) hospitalized with RTI and asymptomatic controls (2006-2015). Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for HMPV, RSV, and 17 other pathogens. We genotyped HMPV-positive samples and assessed shedding time in 32 HMPV-infected children.

Results

In children with RTI, HMPV was detected in 7.3% (267 of 3650) and RSV in 28.7% (1048 of 3650). Among controls, 2.1% (7 of 339) had low HMPV levels detected by PCR, but all were culture negative. HMPV primarily occurred from January to April and in regular epidemics. At least 2 HMPV subtypes occurred each season. The average annual hospitalization rates in children <5 years old with lower RTI were 1.9/1000 (HMPV) and 10.4/1000 (RSV). Among children with RTI, the median HMPV shedding time by PCR was 13 days (range, 6-28 days), but all were culture negative (noninfectious) after 13 days.

Conclusions

HMPV appears in epidemics in Norwegian children, with a hospitalization rate 5 times lower than RSV. Low levels of HMPV are rarely detected in healthy children.

Hospitalizations realted to herpes zoster infection in the Canary Islands, Spain (2005-2014)

Background

Herpes zoster is an important problem of public health especially among the elderly in Spain.

Methods

A population-based retrospective epidemiological study to estimate the burden of herpes zoster requiring hospitalization in the Canary Islands, Spain was conducted by using data from the national surveillance system for hospital data, Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos. Records of all patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of herpes zoster in any position and cases of primary diagnosis (ICD-9-MC codes 053.0–053.9) during a 10-year period (2005–2014), were selected.

Results

A total of 1088 hospitalizations with a primary or secondary diagnosis of herpes zoster were identified during the study period. Annually there were 6.99 hospitalizations by herpes zoster per 100,000 population. It increases with age reaching a maximum in persons ≥85 years of age (43.98 admissions per 100,000). Average length of hospitalization was 16 days and 73 patients died, with a case-fatality rate of 4.03%. In 22% of the cases hospitalized, herpes zoster was the primary diagnosis.

Conclusion

The hospitalization burden of herpes zoster in adults in the Canary Islands was still important during the last decade and justify the implementation of preventive measures, like vaccination in the elderly or other high risk groups to reduce the most severe cases of the disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2688-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Lower lymphocyte response in severe cases of acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus]

INTRODUCTION

Acute bronchiolitis (AB) of the infant has a serious outcome in 6-16% of the hospital admitted cases. Its pathogenesis and evolution is related to the response of the T lymphocytes. The objective of the present study is to determine if the lower systemic lymphocytic response is related to a worse outcome of AB in hospitalised infants.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Retrospective observational-analytical study of cases-controls nested in a cohort of patients admitted due to RSV-AB between the period from October 2010 to March 2015. Those with a full blood count in the first 48hours of respiratory distress were included. Infants with underlying disease, bacterial superinfection, and premature infants <32 weeks of gestation were excluded. The main dichotomous variable was PICU admission. Other variables were: gender, age, post-menstrual age, gestational and post-natal tobacco exposure, admission month, type of lactation, and days of onset of respiratory distress. Lymphocyte counts were categorised by quartiles. Bivariate analysis was performed with the main variable and then by logistic regression to analyse confounding factors.

RESULTS

The study included 252 infants, of whom 6.6% (17) required PICU admission. The difference in mean±SD of lymphocytes for patients admitted to and not admitted to PICU was 4,044±1755 and 5,035±1786, respectively (Student-t test, P<.05). An association was found between PICU admission and lymphocyte count <3700/ml (Chi-squared, P=.019; OR: 3.2) and it was found to be maintained in the logistic regression, regardless of age and all other studied factors (Wald 4.191 P=.041, OR: 3.8).

CONCLUSIONS

A relationship was found between lymphocytosis <3700/ml in the first days of respiratory distress and a worse outcome in previously healthy infants <12 months and gestational age greater than 32 weeks with RSV-AB.

Defining the Risk and Associated Morbidity and Mortality of Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Among Infants with Chronic Lung Disease

INTRODUCTION

The REGAL (RSV evidence-a geographical archive of the literature) series provide a comprehensive review of the published evidence in the field of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Western countries over the last 20 years. This third publication covers the risk and burden of RSV infection in infants with chronic lung disease (CLD), formerly called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken of publications between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2015 across PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Studies reporting data for hospital visits/admissions for RSV infection among infants with CLD/BPD who were not prophylaxed, as well as studies reporting RSV-associated morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, were included. Burdens of disease data were compared with preterm infants without CLD/BPD, other high-risk groups and term infants. Study quality and strength of evidence (SOE) were graded using recognized criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 1837 studies were identified and 39 were included. CLD/BPD is a significant independent risk factor for RSV hospitalization [RSVH (odds ratio 2.2-7.2); high SOE]. Infants and young children with CLD/BPD had high RSVH rates which were generally similar in Europe, the United States, and Canada, mostly varying between 12 and 21%. Infants with CLD also had a longer length of hospital stay than other high-risk groups and term infants (high SOE). On average, infants spent 4-11 days in hospital (moderate SOE). Once hospitalized for RSV, affected children were at risk for a more severe course of disease than children with no RSVH (moderate SOE).

CONCLUSION

Severe RSV infection in infants and young children with CLD/BPD poses a significant health burden in Western countries. Further studies focussing on the burden of RSV infection in this well-recognized population at high risk for severe disease are needed to help improve outcomes and plan allocation of healthcare resources.

FUNDING

AbbVie.

Impact of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis in preterm infants on long-term health care costs in Italy: a retrospective case-control study

Purpose

Bronchiolitis is an acute inflammatory injury of the bronchioles, and is the most frequent cause of hospitalization for lower respiratory tract infections in preterm infants. This was a retrospective, observational, case-control study conducted in Italy, based on administrative database analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in health care costs of preterm infants with and without early hospitalization for bronchiolitis.

Patients and methods

Preterm infants born in the period between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 and hospitalized for bronchiolitis in the first year of life were selected from the ARNO Observatory database and observed for the first 4 years of life. These preterm infants were compared (paired 1–3) with preterm infants who were not hospitalized for bronchiolitis in the first year of life and with similar characteristics. Only direct health care costs reimbursed by the Italian National Health Service were considered for this study (drugs, hospitalizations, and diagnostic/therapeutic procedures).

Results

Of 40,823 newborns in the accrual period, 863 were preterm with no evidence of prophylaxis, and 22 preterm infants were hospitalized for bronchiolitis (cases) and paired with 62 controls. Overall, cases had 74% higher average cost per infant in the first 4 years of life than controls (18,624€ versus 10,189€, respectively). The major cost drivers were hospitalizations, accounting for >90% in both the populations. The increase in total yearly health care cost between cases and controls remained substantial even in the fourth year of life for all cost items. A relevant increase in hospitalizations and drug consumption linked to respiratory tract diseases was noted in infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis during the entire follow-up period.

Conclusion

Preterm infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis in the first year of life were associated with increased resource consumption and costs throughout the entire period of observation; even in the fourth year, the difference versus paired controls was relevant.

Defining the Epidemiology and Burden of Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Among Infants and Children in Western Countries

INTRODUCTION

The REGAL (RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] Evidence-a Geographical Archive of the Literature) series provides a comprehensive review of the published evidence in the field of RSV in Western countries over the last 20 years. This first of seven publications covers the epidemiology and burden of RSV infection.

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken for articles published between Jan 1, 1995 and Dec 31, 2015 across PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Studies reporting data for hospital visits/admissions for RSV infection among children (≤18 years of age), as well as studies reporting RSV-associated morbidity, mortality, and risk factors were included. Study quality and strength of evidence (SOE) were graded using recognized criteria.

RESULT

2315 studies were identified of which 98 were included. RSV was associated with 12-63% of all acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and 19-81% of all viral ARIs causing hospitalizations in children (high SOE). Annual RSV hospitalization (RSVH) rates increased with decreasing age and varied by a factor of 2-3 across seasons (high SOE). Studies were conflicting on whether the incidence of RSVH has increased, decreased, or remained stable over the last 20 years (moderate SOE). Length of hospital stay ranged from 2 to 11 days, with 2-12% of cases requiring intensive care unit admission (moderate SOE). Case-fatality rates were <0.5% (moderate SOE). Risk factors associated with RSVH included: male sex; age <6 months; birth during the first half of the RSV season; crowding/siblings; and day-care exposure (high SOE).

CONCLUSION

RSV infection remains a major burden on Western healthcare systems and has been associated with significant morbidity. Further studies focusing on the epidemiology of RSV infection (particularly in the outpatient setting), the impact of co-infection, better estimates of case-fatality rates and associated risk factors (all currently moderate/low SOE) are needed to determine the true burden of disease.

FUNDING

Abbvie.

Development and Validation of a New Clinical Scale for Infants with Acute Respiratory Infection: The ReSVinet Scale

Background and Aims

A properly validated scoring system allowing objective categorization of infants with acute respiratory infections (ARIs), avoiding the need for in-person assessment and that could also be used by non-health professionals is currently not available. We aimed to develop a new clinical assessment scale meeting these specifications.

Methods

We designed a clinical scale (ReSVinet scale) based on seven parameters (feeding intolerance, medical intervention, respiratory difficulty, respiratory frequency, apnoea, general condition, fever) that were assigned different values (from 0 to 3) for a total of 20 points.170 children under two years of age with ARI were assessed independently by three pediatricians using this scale. Parents also evaluated their offspring with an adapted version of the scale in a subset of 61 cases. The scale was tested for internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), Pearson correlation coefficient for the items in the scale, inter-observer reliability (kappa index) and floor-ceiling effect.

Results

Internal consistency was good for all the observers, with the lowest Cronbach’s alpha being 0.72. There was a strong correlation between the investigators (r-value ranged 0.76–0.83) and also between the results obtained by the parents and the investigators(r = 0.73). Light’s kappa for the observations of the three investigators was 0.74. Weighted kappa in the group evaluated by the parents was 0.73. The final score was correlated with length of hospital stay, PICU admission and Wood-Downes Score.

Conclusions

The ReSVinet scale may be useful and reliable in the evaluation of infants with ARI, particularly acute bronchiolitis, even with data obtained from medical records and when employed by parents. Although further studies are necessary, ReSVinet scale already complies with more score validation criteria than the vast majority of the alternatives currently available and used in the clinical practice.

Measuring the Burden of Hospitalization in Patients with Parkinson´s Disease in Spain

INTRODUCTION

This epidemiological survey estimates the hospitalization burden related to Parkinson´s Disease in Spain.

METHODS

This observational retrospective survey was performed by reviewing data from the National Surveillance System for Hospital Data, which includes more than 98% of Spanish hospitals. All hospitalizations of patients with Parkinson´s disease that were reported from 1997-2012 were analyzed. Codes were selected using the 9th International Classification of Diseases: ICD-9-CM: 332.0.

RESULTS

A total of 438,513 hospital discharges of patients with Parkinson´s Disease were reported during the study period. The annual hospitalization rate was 64.2 cases per 100,000. The average length of hospital stay was 10 days. The trend for the annual hospitalization rate differed significantly depending on whether Parkinson´s disease was the main cause of hospitalization (n = 23,086, 1.14% annual increase) or was not the main cause of hospitalization (n = 415,427, 15.37% annual increase). The overall case-fatality rate among hospitalized patients was 10%. The case fatality rate among patient´s hospitalized with Parkinson´s disease as the main cause of hospitalization was 2.5%. The hospitalization rate and case-fatality rate significantly increased with age. The primary causes of hospitalization when Parkinson´s disease was not coded as the main cause of hospitalization were as follows: respiratory system diseases (24%), circulatory system diseases (19%), injuries and poisoning, including fractures (12%), diseases of the digestive system (10%) and neoplasms (5%). The annual average cost for National Health Care System was € 120 M, with a mean hospitalization cost of €4,378.

CONCLUSIONS

Parkinson´s disease poses a significant health threat in Spain, particularly in the elderly. While hospitalizations due to Parkinson´s Disease are relatively stable over time, the number of patients presenting with Parkinson´s disease as an important comorbidity has increased dramatically. Medical staff must be specifically trained to treat the particular needs of hospitalized patients suffering from Parkinson´s disease as an important comorbidity.