Outcomes of Nosocomial Viral Respiratory Infections in High-Risk Neonates

Incidence and outcomes of hospital-associated respiratory virus infections by viral species

BACKGROUND

Although the incidence of hospital-associated respiratory virus infection (HARVI) is well recognized, the risk factors for infection and impact on patient outcomes are not well characterized.

METHODS

We identified a cohort of all inpatient admissions ≥24 hours duration at a single academic medical center from 2017 to 2020. HARVI were defined as respiratory virus detected in a test ordered after the 95th percentile of the virus-specific incubation period. Risk factors for HARVI were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models of the competing outcomes of HARVI and discharge. The associations between time-varying HARVI status and the rates of ICU admission, discharge, and in-hospital death were estimated using Cox-proportional hazards models in a competing risk framework.

RESULTS

HARVI incidences were 8.8 and 3.0 per 10,000 admission days for pediatric and adult patients, respectively. For adults, congestive heart failure, renal disease, and cancer increased HARVI risk independent of their associations with length of stay. HARVI risk was also elevated for patients admitted in September-June relative to July admissions. For pediatric patients, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, cancer, medical device dependence, and admission in December increased HARVI risk. Lengths of stay were longer for adults with HARVI compared to those without, and hospital-associated influenza A was associated with increased risk of death. Rates of ICU admission were increased in the 5 days after HARVI identification for adult and pediatric patients. HARVI was not associated with length of stay or death among pediatric patients.

CONCLUSIONS

HARVI is associated chronic health conditions and increases morbidity and mortality.

Impact of human coronavirus infections on paediatric patients at a tertiary paediatric hospital: a retrospective study of the prepandemic era

BACKGROUND

Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are important respiratory pathogens in humans and animals. Most HCoVs are emerging pathogens, with five known human pathogens identified in the last two decades.

AIM

To examine the clinical course of HCoV infection in children to improve understanding of severity and outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of all encounters of children with known HCoV infection at a tertiary paediatric hospital from January 2015 to January 2018. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographic data, HCoV type, viral co-pathogens, time to testing, need for hospitalization, requirement for higher-level care (HLC) including intensive care unit management and requirement for oxygen support, radiographic findings suggestive of lower respiratory tract (LRT) disease, and length of stay (LOS).

FINDINGS

In total, 450 encounters for 430 different patients were identified, with the majority (85%) being inpatient. OC43 was the most common HCoV. Younger patients (age <5 years) had higher probability of hospitalization [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-4.1], requirement for HLC (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0-3.1) and presence of LRT findings on chest radiographs (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.01-2.9). Clinical outcomes did not differ between HCoV types, except LOS which was longer for 229E. Fifty-two (11%) encounters were detected after 3 days of hospitalization (median 25.5 days), suggesting possible nosocomial infection.

CONCLUSION

HCoVs are important respiratory pathogens in the paediatric population, especially among patients aged <5 years who are at increased risk for severe disease. The role of HCoVs as hospital-acquired pathogens may be underappreciated.

Contrasting definitions and incidence of healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections in a pediatric hospital

OBJECTIVE

To determine the difference in the incidence of healthcare-associated respiratory viral infection (HARVI) in a pediatric hospital depending on the definition used.

DESIGN

Descriptive historical cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 0-21 years old who were admitted between July 2013 and June 2018 to a 490-bed primary to quaternary-care pediatric hospital serving northern Texas.

METHODS

HARVI was defined using microbiologic confirmation, development of new symptoms while hospitalized, and exposure time greater than the minimum incubation period for each specific virus. Events that occurred following the maximum incubation period for that virus were classified as definite, otherwise they were classified as possible. This definition was compared to definitions using alternate timing of onset and symptomatology requirements. Data pertaining to demographics, diagnoses, and illness severity were collected.

RESULTS

In total, 498 HARVIs (320 definite and 178 possible) were identified, with an incidence rate of 0.98 per 1,000 patient days (0.63 and 0.35, respectively). Rhinovirus or enterovirus and respiratory syncytial virus were the most identified viruses (58% and 10%, respectively). The median time from admission until HARVI was 10.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 5-30 days). When alternate definitions were employed, the incidence of HARVI ranged from 0.96 to 2.00 per 1,000 admitted patient days.

CONCLUSIONS

HARVI remain a common nosocomial infection in pediatric hospitals and the measured incidence is dependent on the definition used. Because of the endemic and pandemic potential of respiratory viruses, standardized definitions are needed to facilitate intra- and interhospital comparisons.

Dodging the bundle-Persistent healthcare-associated rhinovirus infection throughout the pandemic

INTRODUCTION

Healthcare-associated viral infections (HAVI) are a common cause of patient harm in the pediatric population. We implemented a HAVI prevention bundle in 2015, which included 6 core elements: caregiver screening, symptom-based isolation, personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, staff illness procedures, and monitoring of environmental cleanliness. Enhanced bundle elements were introduced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided an opportunity to observe the effectiveness of the bundle with optimal adherence to prevention practices, and to measure the impact on respiratory HAVI epidemiology.

METHODS

Respiratory HAVIs were confirmed through review of medical records and application of the National Health Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance criteria for upper respiratory infections (URIs) with predetermined incubation periods for unit attribution. Descriptive statistics of the study population were examined, and comparative analyses were performed on demographic and process metrics. Data analysis was conducted using R statistical software.

RESULTS

We observed an overall decrease in respiratory HAVI of 68%, with prepandemic rates of 0.19 infections per 1,000 patient significantly decreased to a rate of 0.06 per 1,000 patient days in the pandemic period (P < .01). Rhinovirus made up proportionally more of our respiratory HAVI in the pandemic period (64% vs 53%), with respiratory HAVI secondary only to rhinovirus identified during 8 of 16 months in the pandemic period. Compliance with our HAVI prevention bundle significantly improved during pandemic period.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhancement of our HAVI bundle during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed toward significant reduction in nosocomial transmission of respiratory HAVI. Even with prevention practices optimized, respiratory HAVIs secondary to rhinovirus continued to be reported, likely due to the capacity of rhinovirus to evade bundle elements in hospital, and infection prevention efforts at large in the community, leaving vulnerable patients at continued risk.

Viral Respiratory Infections in Hospitalized Children With Symptomatic Caregivers

OBJECTIVES

The burden of healthcare-associated viral respiratory infections (HAVRIs) among children is significant. While healthcare workers are often the focus for infection prevention strategies, little is known about the impact of sick caregivers and hospital visitors on the incidence of pediatric HAVRIs. The objective of this descriptive study was to determine the proportion of pediatric HAVRIs following contact with a sick caregiver or visitor.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all HAVRIs that occurred between December 2017 and July 2019 in a pediatric tertiary care center. A HAVRI was defined as a laboratory-confirmed respiratory viral illness occurring more than 72 hours after admission.

RESULTS

Forty-four HAVRIs occurred in 37 patients during the study, predominantly among patients aged <24 months (n = 32, 72.7%) and with comorbidities (n = 42, 95.5%). For 9 HAVRIs (20.5%), contact with a sick caregiver (n = 8, 18.2%) or visitor (n = 2, 4.5%) in the 7 days before diagnosis was documented. In the 72 hours before HAVRI onset, 18 of the 44 patients (40.9%) were in a single-bed room and 6 of them (33.3%) were under additional precautions. Twelve patients (27.3%) had new or increased oxygen requirements and 4 (9.1%) were transferred to the ICU. There were no associated deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Contact with a sick caregiver or visitor is a potential risk factor for acquiring a HAVRI. Our study reinforces the importance of engaging family caregivers in infection prevention and control strategies in pediatric care settings.

In-hospital respiratory viral infections for patients with established BPD in the SARS-CoV-2 era

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to test the hypothesis that in-hospital respiratory viral infections (RVI) would be significantly lower in a cohort of patients with established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) exposed to a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection prevention protocol when compared to historical controls.

STUDY DESIGN

On April 1, 2020, we implemented a universal infection prevention protocol to minimize the risk of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a dedicated BPD intensive care unit. We performed a retrospective cohort study and included patients with established BPD, as defined by the 2019 Neonatal Research Network criteria, admitted to our center who underwent real-time polymerase-chain-reaction RVI testing between January 1, 2015 and March 31, 2021. We excluded patients readmitted from home. We compared the proportion of positive tests to the number of tests performed and the distribution of viral respiratory pathogens in the pre- and post-SARS-CoV-2 eras.

RESULTS

Among 176 patients included in the study, 663 RVI tests were performed and 172 (26%) tests were positive. The median number of tests performed, measured in tests per patient per month, in the SARS-CoV-2 era was not significantly different compared to the pre-SARS-CoV-2 era (0.45 vs. 0.34 tests per patient per month, p = .07). The proportion of positive RVI tests was significantly lower in the SARS-CoV-2 era when compared to the pre-SARS-CoV-2 era (0.06 vs. 0.30, p < .0001). No patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the SARS-CoV-2 era.

CONCLUSIONS

Infection prevention measures developed in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may reduce the risk of RVIs in hospitalized patients with established BPD.

Health Care-Acquired Viral Respiratory Diseases

Health care-acquired viral respiratory infections are common and cause increased patient morbidity and mortality. Although the threat of viral respiratory infection has been underscored by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, respiratory viruses have a significant impact in health care settings even under normal circumstances. Studies report decreased nosocomial transmission when aggressive infection control measures are implemented, with more success noted when using a multicomponent approach. Influenza vaccination of health care personnel furthers decrease rates of transmission; thus, mandatory vaccination is becoming more common. This article discusses the epidemiology, transmission, and control of health care-associated respiratory viral infections.

Antibiotics for hospital-acquired pneumonia in neonates and children

BACKGROUND

Hospital-acquired pneumonia is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections in children worldwide. Most of our understanding of hospital-acquired pneumonia in children is derived from adult studies. To our knowledge, no systematic review with meta-analysis has assessed the benefits and harms of different antibiotic regimens in neonates and children with hospital-acquired pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of different antibiotic regimens for hospital-acquired pneumonia in neonates and children.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases, and two trial registers to February 2021, together with reference checking, citation searching, and contact with study authors to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised clinical trials comparing one antibiotic regimen with any other antibiotic regimen for hospital-acquired pneumonia in neonates and children.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. Our primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and serious adverse events; our secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life, pneumonia-related mortality, non-serious adverse events, and treatment failure. Our primary time point of interest was at maximum follow-up.

MAIN RESULTS

We included four randomised clinical trials (84 participants). We assessed all trials as having high risk of bias. We did not conduct any meta-analyses, as the included trials did not compare similar antibiotic regimens. Each of the four trials assessed a different comparison, as follows: cefepime versus ceftazidime; linezolid versus vancomycin; meropenem versus cefotaxime; and ceftobiprole versus cephalosporin. Only one trial reported our primary outcomes of all-cause mortality and serious adverse events. Three trials reported our secondary outcome of treatment failure. Two trials primarily included community-acquired pneumonia and hospitalised children with bacterial infections, hence the children with hospital-acquired pneumonia constituted subgroups of the total sample sizes. Where outcomes were reported, the certainty of the evidence was very low for each of the comparisons. We are unable to draw meaningful conclusions from the numerical results. None of the included trials assessed health-related quality of life, pneumonia-related mortality, or non-serious adverse events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The relative beneficial and harmful effects of different antibiotic regimens remain unclear due to the very low certainty of the available evidence. The current evidence is insufficient to support any antibiotic regimen being superior to another. Randomised clinical trials assessing different antibiotic regimens for hospital-acquired pneumonia in children and neonates are warranted.

Respiratory morbidity associated with viral respiratory infections during neonatal stage in premature infants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are highly susceptible to viral respiratory infections (VRIs), even during admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Although the role of VRI in childhood in the development of recurrent wheezing and long-term asthma is well known, information on the impact in later morbidity of VRI in the neonatal period is lacking. We aimed to explore the occurrence of recurrent wheezing over the first 2 years of life according to VRI status during NICU admission.

METHODS

During April 2016 and December 2017, infants below 32 weeks of gestation were prospectively studied in VRI surveillance during NICU admission. Families were contacted between September 2018 and May 2019 by a telephone questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 99 patients were enrolled. The mean gestational age and birth weight were 28.8 (1.9) weeks and 1118 (329) g, respectively. During the first 2 years of life, neither episodes of wheezing nor the respiratory impairment-related hospital admissions differed between positive and negative VRI infants. Episodes of wheezing and respiratory impairment-related hospital admissions, as well as specific respiratory treatment prescription, were more frequent within the first 2 years in infants who had suffered symptomatic VRI during NICU admission.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic VRI in VLBW infants is associated with long-term respiratory morbidity. The early surveillance of VRI in the preterm infant during NICU admission is justified for prognostic counseling and closely monitoring after discharge. Routine instruction on asthma-related risk factors and early prescription of antiasthmatic treatments, when indicated, should be established.

Characteristics and outcomes of neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection in the UK: a prospective national cohort study using active surveillance

Background

Babies differ from older children with regard to their exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, data describing the effect of SARS-CoV-2 in this group are scarce, and guidance is variable. We aimed to describe the incidence, characteristics, transmission, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in neonates who received inpatient hospital care in the UK.

Methods

We carried out a prospective UK population-based cohort study of babies with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first 28 days of life who received inpatient care between March 1 and April 30, 2020. Infected babies were identified through active national surveillance via the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit, with linkage to national testing, paediatric intensive care audit, and obstetric surveillance data. Outcomes included incidence (per 10 000 livebirths) of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease, proportions of babies with suspected vertically and nosocomially acquired infection, and clinical outcomes.

Findings

We identified 66 babies with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (incidence 5·6 [95% CI 4·3–7·1] per 10 000 livebirths), of whom 28 (42%) had severe neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection (incidence 2·4 [1·6–3·4] per 10 000 livebirths). 16 (24%) of these babies were born preterm. 36 (55%) babies were from white ethnic groups (SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence 4·6 [3·2–6·4] per 10 000 livebirths), 14 (21%) were from Asian ethnic groups (15·2 [8·3–25·5] per 10 000 livebirths), eight (12%) were from Black ethnic groups (18·0 [7·8–35·5] per 10 000 livebirths), and seven (11%) were from mixed or other ethnic groups (5·6 [2·2–11·5] per 10 000 livebirths). 17 (26%) babies with confirmed infection were born to mothers with known perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection, two (3%) were considered to have possible vertically acquired infection (SARS-CoV-2-positive sample within 12 h of birth where the mother was also positive). Eight (12%) babies had suspected nosocomially acquired infection. As of July 28, 2020, 58 (88%) babies had been discharged home, seven (11%) were still admitted, and one (2%) had died of a cause unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Interpretation

Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection is uncommon in babies admitted to hospital. Infection with neonatal admission following birth to a mother with perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was unlikely, and possible vertical transmission rare, supporting international guidance to avoid separation of mother and baby. The high proportion of babies from Black, Asian, or minority ethnic groups requires investigation.

Funding

UK National Institute for Health Research Policy Research Programme.

Beyond personal protective equipment: adjunctive methods for control of healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Prevention of nosocomial transmission of respiratory viruses is a priority in all healthcare settings and often achieved with the use of personal protective equipment. Several adjunctive infection prevention methods are in common use but their effectiveness in reducing healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections is unclear. In this review, recent advances regarding the effectiveness of several adjunctive infection prevention methods to reduce healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections are discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Training and education on hand hygiene guidelines, mandatory influenza vaccination for healthcare personnel, access to paid sick leave to reduce ill presenteeism, cohorting of patients with the same infection or clinical syndrome, neuraminidase inhibitor chemoprophylaxis during influenza outbreaks, and enhanced visitor restrictions in pediatric hospitals all have shown some degree of effectiveness in observational or quasi-experimental studies.

SUMMARY

Most of the studies evaluating the effect of adjunctive infection prevention methods on healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections are observational or quasi-experimental and are often combined with other interventions. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the precise effectiveness or efficacy of these interventions and more controlled trials are needed. Multimodal infection prevention policies are likely to be most effective in reducing healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections.

Hospital Associated Respiratory Virus Infection in Children and Adults: It Does Not Just Occur During Cold and Flu Season

Hospital-associated respiratory virus infections (HARVI) are an underappreciated source of morbidity and mortality. We examined HARVI incidence and clinical respiratory virus testing practices in a cohort of hospitalized patients with acute respiratory illness. HARVI were identified in patients of all ages, both during and outside of the influenza season.

Hospital-Acquired Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in the Neonatal Unit: A Comparison with Other Inpatient Groups

BACKGROUND

Hospital-acquired viral respiratory tract infections (VRTIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality in neonatal patients. This includes escalation of respiratory support, increased length of hospital stay, and need for home oxygen, as well as higher healthcare costs. To date, no studies have compared population rates of VRTIs across age groups.

AIM

Quantify the rates of hospital-acquired VRTIs in our neonatal population compared with other inpatient age groups in Nottinghamshire, UK.

METHODS

We compared all hospital inpatient PCR-positive viral respiratory samples between 2007 and 2013 and calculated age-stratified rates based on population estimates.

RESULTS

From a population of 4,707,217, we identified a previously unrecognised burden of VRTI in neonatal patients, only second to the 0-1-year-old group. Although only accounting for 1.3% of the population, half of the infections were in infants <1 year old and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. Human rhinovirus was the most dominant virus across the inpatient group, particularly in neonatal patients. Despite a two- to three-fold increase in the rate of positive samples in all groups during the colder months (1.1/1,000 October-March vs. 0.4/1,000 April-September), rates in the NICU did not change throughout the year at 4.3/1,000. Pandemic H1N1 influenza rates were 20 times higher in neonatal patients and infants <1 year old.

CONCLUSION

Good epidemiological and interventional data are needed to help inform visiting and infection control policies to reduce transmission of hospital-acquired viral infections to this vulnerable population, particularly during pandemic seasons.

Viral respiratory infections in very low birthweight infants at neonatal intensive care unit: prospective observational study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants are highly susceptible to respiratory infections. Information about prevalence of viral respiratory infections (VRIs) in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is scarce. Recent evidence suggests short-term and long-term impact of VRI in morbidity of VLBW infants. The goal of this study is to conduct a VRI surveillance in VLBW infants during NICU admission to address the prevalence, type of viruses and associated clinical features.

METHODS

Prospective observational cohort study on infants below 32 gestational weeks admitted to a tertiary NICU during a 2-year period. Respiratory virus detection (influenza, parainfluenza, rhinovirus (hRV), enterovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, coronavirus, bocavirus and adenovirus) was performed by real time multiplex PCR assays in nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs), within the first 72 hours after birth and weekly, until discharge. Additional samples were taken if clinically indicated.

RESULTS

147 out of 224 eligible infants were enrolled. At least one positive NPA was found in 38% of the study cohort. Main viruses identified were hRV (58%) and adenovirus (31%). Among the 56 infants with positive NPA, 26 showed non-specific respiratory features in 58% (increased respiratory workload, tachypnoea, apnoea) or typical cold features in 38% (rhinorrhea, cough, fever), at least in one episode. Antibiotics were prescribed in 29% of cases. Positive infants showed higher rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), need for supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation, and had longer hospital stay. Cox regression analysis found BPD as an independent risk factor for viral infection (p<0.001) and symptomatic VRI (p<0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic surveillance in VLBW infants reports VRI is frequent, particularly by hRV. Asymptomatic infection is highly prevalent which is critical in the face of establishing appropriate preventive strategies. Infants with BPD are especially vulnerable to such infections.

Low Frequency of Viral Respiratory Tract Infections During Family-Centered Neonatal Intensive Care: Results of a Prospective Surveillance Study

Background: Viral respiratory tract infections (VRTI) may cause severe respiratory and sepsis-like symptoms in infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Little is known about the frequencies of VRTI in relation to visiting policies in the NICU. Objective: Aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of symptomatic and asymptomatic VRTI in our family-centered NICU. Methods: This was a 12-month, prospective, observational study from February 2018 to January 2019. Infants hospitalized ≥72 h were eligible for the study. To determine the frequency of VRTI, multiplexed point-of-care testing (mPOCT) of symptomatic infants was combined with a weekly screening of all infants. Our 10-bed NICU is 24/7 open to families and visitors. The number of simultaneous visitors is restricted to two per patient. Parents and visitors are instructed in hand hygiene and advised to avoid visits in cases of respiratory illness. Siblings irrespective of age may visit the NICU following a physical check-up. Results Multiplexed point-of-care testing (71 symptomatic episodes) combined with the weekly screening (272 episodes) yielded in 21 positive samples from 2 of the 67 infants enrolled in the study. Both infants were first detected during symptomatic episodes. Rhino-/enterovirus were detected in all cases. Conclusion: Respiratory viruses were detected during symptomatic and asymptomatic episodes but affected <3% of infants enrolled in the study. In our unit, a low frequency of VRTI was attained despite adherence to family integrated care including liberal visiting policies for younger siblings.

Hospital-acquired viral respiratory infections in neonates hospitalized since birth in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE

To determine frequency of hospital-acquired viral respiratory infections (HA-VRI) and associated outcomes in a NICU.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study conducted from 4 October 2016 to 21 March 2017. Infants hospitalized from birth in the NICU had a weekly nasal swab collected for testing using a multiplex PCR assay capable of detecting 16 different respiratory viruses.

RESULTS

Seventy-four infants enrolled, with 5 (6.8%) testing positive for a virus (incidence rate of 1.3/1000 patient days). VRI positive infants had a younger gestational age (median 27 w vs. 32 w, p = 0.048); were hospitalized longer (97 d vs 43 d, p = 0.013); required more antibiotics (8 d vs. 4 d, p = 0.037) and were more likely to be diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p = 0.008) compared to VRI negative infants.

CONCLUSION

Respiratory viruses are a frequent cause of HAI in the NICU and are associated with negative outcomes.

Molecular and epidemiologic investigation of a rhinovirus outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit

We performed a molecular and epidemiologic study of a healthcare-associated rhinovirus outbreak to better understand transmission in neonatal intensive care settings. Sequencing of the 7 outbreak strains revealed 4 distinct clades, indicating multiple sources. A single clade infected 3 patients in adjacent rooms, suggesting horizontal transmission. We observed 1 rhinovirus-associated death.

Early Life Incidence of Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Infections in Children With Gastroschisis: A Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Survival in infants with gastroschisis is increasing although little is known about early childhood morbidity. In the context of a hypothesized link between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and immune function, this study explores rates of GI and respiratory infections in children with gastroschisis.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using data from the Health Improvement Network, a large database of UK primary care medical records. We identified children born from 1990 to 2013, and extracted follow-up data to their fifth birthday. We calculate incidence rates (IR) of GI and respiratory tract infections, overall and stratified by age, sex, socioeconomic status, and gestational age at birth, and compared these between children with and without gastroschisis by calculating adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR).

RESULTS

Children with gastroschisis had a 65% higher IR of GI infection compared to children without (aIRR 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-1.99, P < 0.001). Children with gastroschisis had a 27% higher IR of all respiratory tract infections (aIRR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12-1.44, P < 0.001) and more than 2-fold increase in lower respiratory tract infections compared to children without the condition (aIRR 2.15, 95% CI 1.69-2.74, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Children born with gastroschisis have a significantly higher incidence of GI and respiratory tract infections compared to children without gastroschisis. This association requires further investigations but could be related to the neonatal care they receive such as delayed enteral feeding or frequent antibiotic courses altering the gut microbiome and developing immune system.

Burden, Etiology, and Risk Factors of Respiratory Virus Infections Among Symptomatic Preterm Infants in the Tropics: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study

Background

The burden of respiratory viral infections (RVIs) among preterm infants in the first few years of life, especially those living in the tropics with year-long transmissions of respiratory viruses, remains unknown. We aimed to describe the clinical epidemiology and associated risk factors for RVIs among symptomatic preterm infants ≤32 weeks up to 2 years of life.

Methods

We performed a data linkage analysis of clinical and hospital laboratory databases for preterm infants born at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, from 2005 to 2015. RVI episodes during initial admission and subsequent hospital readmissions were included.

Results

Of 1854 infants in the study, 270 (14.5%) infants were diagnosed with at least 1 RVI. A total of 285 (85.3%) episodes were diagnosed postdischarge, with the highest risk for RVIs being from 3 to 5 months of age. The incidence of RVI in this population was 116 per 1000 infant-years and respiratory syncytial virus was the main overall causative pathogen. Infants with RVIs were more likely to be born at ≤27 weeks' gestational age (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.3), to have received postnatal steroids (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.1), and to be diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4).

Conclusions

The burden of RVIs is high in preterm infants in the tropics, affecting >1 of 10 infants born at ≤32 weeks' gestation before 2 years of age. Respiratory syncytial virus was the main causative pathogen identified. Risk factors for RVI included extremely low gestational age, receipt of postnatal steroids, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Viral Respiratory Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit-A Review

Although infrequent, respiratory viral infections (RVIs) during birth hospitalization have a significant impact on short- and long-term morbidity in term and preterm neonates. RVI have been associated with increased length of hospital stay, severe disease course, unnecessary antimicrobial exposure and nosocomial outbreaks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Virus transmission has been described to occur via health care professionals, parents and other visitors. Most at risk are infants born prematurely, due to their immature immune system and the fact that they stay in the NICU for a considerable length of time. A prevalence of RVIs in the NICU in symptomatic infants of 6–30% has been described, although RVIs are most probably underdiagnosed, since testing for viral pathogens is not performed routinely in symptomatic patients in many NICUs. Additional challenges are the wide range of clinical presentation of RVIs, their similarity to bacterial infections and the unreliable detection methods prior to the era of molecular biology based technologies. In this review, current knowledge of early-life RVI in the NICU is discussed. Reviewed viral pathogens include human rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus, and discussed literature is restricted to reports based on modern molecular biology techniques. The review highlights therapeutic approaches and possible preventive strategies. Furthermore, short- and long-term consequences of RVIs in infants hospitalized in the NICU are discussed.

Association of visitation policy and health care-acquired respiratory viral infections in hospitalized children

Visitor restriction policies are meant to prevent health care-acquired viral infections; however, data on their efficacy in hospitalized children are limited. We report a 37% reduction in health care-acquired respiratory viral infections in a children's hospital following standardization of the visitation policy that limited the number of visitors during a patient's hospitalization.

Sibling visits and viral infection in the neonatal intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Sibling visits to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are a part of family-centered care, which is now being increasingly endorsed as a positive development in patient care. Sibling visits, however, pose a risk of viral infection, and hence many NICU in Japan impose strict limits on the practice. The aim of this study was therefore to assess whether sibling visits to the NICU are related to an increase in the nosocomial viral infection rate.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted between April 2012 and March 2017 at Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center in Japan. Sibling visits were implemented after screening for symptoms of viral illness. Symptomatic patients in the NICU were tested for common viruses on rapid antigen test and polymerase chain reaction. The number of sibling visits and the rate of nosocomial viral infections were examined on Spearman's correlation test.

RESULTS

The total number of sibling visits and rate of nosocomial viral infection in the NICU was 102 and 0.068 per 1,000 patient-days during the study period, respectively. The number of enterovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, influenza virus A, and Herpes simplex virus infections was 3, 2, 1, 1, 1, and 1, respectively. No infections were identified after sibling visits. The number of sibling visits and the rate of nosocomial viral infections were not correlated (correlation coefficient, -0.1; P = 0.873).

CONCLUSION

Sibling visits to the NICU did not result in an increase in the nosocomial viral infection rate.

Reduction in Rate of Nosocomial Respiratory Virus Infections in a Children's Hospital Associated With Enhanced Isolation Precautions

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the use of enhanced isolation precautions (droplet and contact precautions) for inpatients with respiratory tract viral infections is associated with a reduction in rate of nosocomial viral respiratory infections. DESIGN Quasi-experimental study with the rate of nosocomial respiratory virus infection as the primary dependent variable and rate of nosocomial Clostridium difficile infection as a nonequivalent dependent variable comparator. SETTING Cohen Children's Medical Center of NY, a tertiary-care children's hospital attached to a large general hospital. INTERVENTION During years 1 and 2 (July 2012 through June 2014), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee's recommended isolation precautions for inpatients with selected respiratory virus infections were in effect. Enhanced isolation precautions were in effect during years 3 and 4 (July, 2014 through June, 2016), except for influenza, for which enhanced precautions were in effect during year 4 only. RESULTS During the period of enhanced isolation precautions, the rate of nosocomial respiratory virus infections with any of 4 virus categories decreased 39% from 0.827 per 1,000 hospital days prior to enhanced precautions to 0.508 per 1,000 hospital days (P<.0013). Excluding rhinovirus/enterovirus infections, the rates decreased 58% from 0.317 per 1,000 hospital days to 0.134 per 1,000 hospital days during enhanced precautions (P<.0014). During these periods, no significant change was detected in the rate of nosocomial C. difficile infection. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced isolation precautions for inpatients with respiratory virus infections were associated with a reduction in the rate of nosocomial respiratory virus infections. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:152-156.

Variation in Visiting and Isolation Policies in Neonatal Units: A U.K. Nationwide Survey

Global pandemics, such as H1N1, are a major risk for neonatal patients. We surveyed U.K. tertiary and district neonatal units about visiting and infection control policies relating to viral respiratory infections. There was marked variation with visiting policies, tertiary units being more restrictive. Isolation, screening, and outbreak management of infected babies was highly variable posing a risk in future pandemics.

How to decrease bronchopulmonary dysplasia in your neonatal intensive care unit today and "tomorrow"

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or BPD, is the most common chronic lung disease in infants. Genetic predisposition and developmental vulnerability secondary to antenatal and postnatal infections, compounded with exposure to hyperoxia and invasive mechanical ventilation to an immature lung, result in persistent inflammation, culminating in the characteristic pulmonary phenotype of BPD of impaired alveolarization and dysregulated vascularization. In this article, we highlight specific areas in current management, and speculate on therapeutic strategies that are on the horizon, that we believe will make an impact in decreasing the incidence of BPD in your neonatal intensive care units.

Prevention and treatment of neonatal nosocomial infections

Nosocomial or hospital acquired infections threaten the survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, and increase cost of care. Premature infants are particularly vulnerable since they often undergo invasive procedures and are dependent on central catheters to deliver nutrition and on ventilators for respiratory support. Prevention of nosocomial infection is a critical patient safety imperative, and invariably requires a multidisciplinary approach. There are no short cuts. Hand hygiene before and after patient contact is the most important measure, and yet, compliance with this simple measure can be unsatisfactory. Alcohol based hand sanitizer is effective against many microorganisms and is efficient, compared to plain or antiseptic containing soaps. The use of maternal breast milk is another inexpensive and simple measure to reduce infection rates. Efforts to replicate the anti-infectious properties of maternal breast milk by the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have met with variable success, and there are ongoing trials of lactoferrin, an iron binding whey protein present in large quantities in colostrum. Attempts to boost the immunoglobulin levels of preterm infants with exogenous immunoglobulins have not been shown to reduce nosocomial infections significantly. Over the last decade, improvements in the incidence of catheter-related infections have been achieved, with meticulous attention to every detail from insertion to maintenance, with some centers reporting zero rates for such infections. Other nosocomial infections like ventilator acquired pneumonia and staphylococcus aureus infection remain problematic, and outbreaks with multidrug resistant organisms continue to have disastrous consequences. Management of infections is based on the profile of microorganisms in the neonatal unit and community and targeted therapy is required to control the disease without leading to the development of more resistant strains.