A Survey of Parental Knowledge of Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Other Respiratory Infections in Preterm Infants

The Multifaceted Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infections in Young Children on the Family: A European Study

INTRODUCTION

Since the majority of hospitalisations due to RSV occur in young children, the illness profoundly influences the entire family. However, comprehensive evidence regarding its overall effects remains limited. The ResQ Family study aims to investigate the burden of RSV-induced pediatric hospitalisation on affected families.

METHODS

Spanning the 2022-2023 RSV season, an interdisciplinary, observational study was conducted in Germany, France, Italy and Sweden. Using an online questionnaire, parents and caregivers of children (< 24 months of age) with an RSV-induced hospitalisation were recruited. Information was gathered on topics related to RSV and parental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the acute infection phase (t0) and 6 weeks later (t1). Descriptive evaluations of the data set were performed during t0 and regarding a potential change over the observation period (t0 vs. t1). Subgroup analysis aimed to further identify differences across the countries.

RESULTS

A total set of 138 affected parents/caregivers were included in the study, with 59 participants responding to the follow-up survey (t1). Particularly during the acute infection phase, parental HRQoL was shown to be negatively influenced by the child's RSV infection [total score (p < 0.001, d = 0.54), parent HRQoL summary score (p < 0.001, d = 0.67) and family functioning summary score (p = 0.007, d = 0.33)]. Significant disparities in disease awareness and support structures were observed across Europe, with France and Sweden showing notably higher levels.

CONCLUSION

The ResQ Family study provides convincing evidence that RSV-associated hospitalisations in young children across Europe generate a multifaced burden for the entire family, partly even beyond the acute infection phase. Standardised approaches for disease prevention at societal, educational and policy levels are needed to guarantee every newborn the best possible start into life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier, NCT05550545.

Understanding Policy Decisions and Their Implications Regarding Preventive Interventions for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection in Canadian Infants: A Primer for Nurses

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in young children, and prevention is the primary management strategy. At present, palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody providing immediate passive immunity, rather than a vaccine that induces active immunity, is the only preventive intervention used in routine practice internationally. In Canada, access varies across the country. Prophylaxis policies are mainly driven by cost-effectiveness analyses, and it is crucial that the full costs and benefits of any intervention are captured. Positive results from a new Canadian cost-effectiveness analysis of palivizumab will help address the current inequality in use while providing a framework for future models of RSV preventives. Nurses are the principal educators for parents about the risks of childhood RSV and optimal prevention via basic hygiene, behavioral and environmental measures, and seasonal prophylaxis. Nurses should be provided not only with regular, up-to-date, and accurate information on RSV and the clinical aspects of emerging interventions but be informed on the decision-making governing the use of preventive strategies.

Infection prevention and control measures for preterm infants discharged into the community: a scoping review protocol

BACKGROUND

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is an evidence-based and practical approach to prevention of harm by infection (Infection prevention and control https://www.who.int/health-topics/infection-prevention-and-control#tab=tab_1 ). IPC recommendations targeted at community-acquired infection aim to prevent illness and subsequent hospital readmission. Cohesive guidance for parents of preterm infants has not been clearly established. The review objectives are to identify and map the global characteristics of IPC measures/recommendations for parents of preterm infants discharged home to the community.

METHODS

The scoping review will be conducted using the JBI methodological approach for scoping reviews and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Scoping Review extension (PRISMA ScR) and the PRISMA extension for reporting literature searches in systematic reviews. Electronic databases will be searched and limited by publication year (2013-present day). Grey literature, reference lists and expert-provided sources will be searched against predetermined criteria. A minimum of two authors will independently screen evidence sources and chart evidence on a predetermined charting form. Sources including IPC measures, or recommendations for parents of preterm infants during discharge planning or in the community/home, will be permitted within inclusion criteria. Limits include human studies only and evidence from 2013-present day. Recommendations aimed at professional implementation will be excluded. A descriptive summary of findings will be presented, with diagrammatic and tabular representation.

DISCUSSION

Collated evidence will guide future research which will subsequently aim to develop policy and enhance clinical approaches.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This review has been registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) 4th May 2021, available at https://osf.io/9yhzk .

Disease burden of respiratory syncytial virus infection in the pediatric population in Japan

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of lower respiratory tract infections in children aged <5 years and is associated with long-term respiratory morbidities such as recurrent wheezing and asthma, decreased lung function, and allergic sensitization. The objective of this review was to evaluate the epidemiology and burden of RSV infection in the pediatric population in Japan.

METHODS

Studies indexed in PubMed and ICHUSHI databases during January 2010-December 2020 were manually reviewed. Data on proportion of RSV infections, seasonality, length of stay (LoS), mortality, medical expenses, and palivizumab use were extracted from the selected articles.

RESULTS

Ninety-three articles were included (PubMed, 64; ICHUSHI, 29). The proportion of patients/samples with an RSV infection was 5.5%-66.7%, and 6.0%-29.9% in the inpatient and outpatient departments, respectively. RSV infections generally occurred during autumn/winter; however, recently the peak has shifted to summer. The LoS was variable and depended on factors such as age, infection severity, wheezing, and RSV subgroups. Mortality rates varied from <1% to 19% depending on the infection severity. The average daily hospitalization and intensive care unit cost was JPY 34,548 while intensive care unit incurred an additional cost of JPY 541,293. Palivizumab was indicated for high-risk infants and 0%-3% of patients required hospitalization despite palivizumab use.

CONCLUSIONS

RSV imposes a significant burden on the Japanese healthcare system, suggesting a need to create awareness among caregivers of children, pregnant women and healthcare professionals to ensure early recognition of infection and adequate treatment or prophylaxis.