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Riccò M, Cascio A, Corrado S, Bottazzoli M, Marchesi F, Gili R, Giuri PG, Gori D, Manzoni P. Impact of Nirsevimab Immunization on Pediatric Hospitalization Rates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2024). Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:640. [PMID: 38932369 PMCID: PMC11209424 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A systematic review with a meta-analysis was performed to gather available evidence on the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody nirsevimab in the prevention of lower respiratory tract diseases (LRTDs) due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children and newborns (CRD42024540669). Studies reporting on real-world experience and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched for in three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) until 1 May 2024. Our analysis included five RCTs, seven real-world reports, and one official report from the health authorities. Due to the cross-reporting of RCTs and the inclusion of multiple series in a single study, the meta-analysis was performed on 45,238 infants from 19 series. The meta-analysis documented a pooled immunization efficacy of 88.40% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) from 84.70 to 91.21) on the occurrence of hospital admission due to RSV, with moderate heterogeneity (I2 24.3%, 95% CI 0.0 to 56.6). Immunization efficacy decreased with the overall length of the observation time (Spearman's r = -0.546, p = 0.016), and the risk of breakthrough infections was substantially greater in studies with observation times ≥150 days compared to studies lasting <150 days (risk ratio 2.170, 95% CI 1.860 to 2.532). However, the effect of observation time in meta-regression analysis was conflicting (β = 0.001, 95% CI -0.001 to 0.002; p = 0.092). In conclusion, the delivery of nirsevimab was quite effective in preventing hospital admissions due to LRTDs. However, further analyses of the whole RSV season are required before tailoring specific public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Antonio Cascio
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, “G D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, AOUP P. Giaccone, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Silvia Corrado
- ASST Rhodense, Dipartimento Della Donna e Area Materno-Infantile, UOC Pediatria, 20024 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Bottazzoli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, APSS Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Federico Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Renata Gili
- Department of Prevention, Turin Local Health Authority, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | | | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Paolo Manzoni
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10125 Turin, Italy;
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Centrone F, Loconsole D, Marziani A, Orlando VA, delle Fontane A, Minelli M, Chironna M. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Hospitalizations in the Elderly in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Italy as a Useful Proxy for Targeting Vaccine Preventive Strategies. Infect Dis Rep 2024; 16:491-498. [PMID: 38920893 PMCID: PMC11204164 DOI: 10.3390/idr16030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
RSV infection causes severe respiratory illness and mortality in the elderly, especially in the presence of comorbidities. Early identification of infection would result in appropriate clinical-therapeutic management, avoiding hospitalizations, the risk of healthcare-associated infections, and inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, thus reducing healthcare costs and fighting antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to assess RSV hospitalizations in subjects >64 years hospitalized in a large tertiary care hospital in Southern Italy, in order to assess their usefulness as a proxy for targeting a potential vaccination strategy. Fifty-two RSV-positive patients were identified from the 2014-2015 to the 2022-2023 seasons. RSV type B was found in 71.2% of cases. The median age was 78 years (IQR: 72-84) and 40.4% of the subjects had at least one comorbidity; 5.8% needed intensive care. The use of combined rapid tests for SARS-CoV-2/influenza/RSV identification in primary care settings may contribute to an improved definition of the burden of RSV in the elderly. The implementation of an anti-RSV vaccination strategy in the elderly population would reduce direct and indirect infection costs. More robust epidemiological data in Italy are needed for targeted preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Centrone
- Hygiene Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Daniela Loconsole
- Hygiene Section, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (A.M.); (V.A.O.); (A.d.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Alfredo Marziani
- Hygiene Section, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (A.M.); (V.A.O.); (A.d.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Valentina Annachiara Orlando
- Hygiene Section, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (A.M.); (V.A.O.); (A.d.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Arianna delle Fontane
- Hygiene Section, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (A.M.); (V.A.O.); (A.d.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Martina Minelli
- Hygiene Section, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (A.M.); (V.A.O.); (A.d.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Chironna
- Hygiene Section, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.L.); (A.M.); (V.A.O.); (A.d.F.); (M.M.)
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Mazela J, Jackowska T, Czech M, Helwich E, Martyn O, Aleksiejuk P, Smaga A, Glazewska J, Wysocki J. 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. Viruses 2024; 16:704. [PMID: 38793586 PMCID: PMC11126078 DOI: 10.3390/v16050704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mazela
- Department of Neonatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poznan, 60-535 Poznan, Poland
| | - Teresa Jackowska
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Marcin Czech
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, Hospital Infection Control Team, Institute of Mother and Child, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Ewa Helwich
- Institute of Mother and Child, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Oliver Martyn
- Sanofi A/S, Vaccines Medical Affairs, DK-2100 København, Denmark;
| | - Pawel Aleksiejuk
- Sanofi Sp. z o.o., Vaccines Medical Affairs, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Smaga
- PEX Sp. z o.o., 02-796 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (J.G.)
- National Institute of Public Health NIH—National Research Institute, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Jacek Wysocki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences at Poznan, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
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Pandolfi E, Loconsole D, Chironna M, van Summeren J, Paget J, Raponi M, Russo L, Campagna I, Croci I, Concato C, Perno CF, Tozzi AE, Linardos G, Bartolucci V, Ciampini S, Muda AO, De Angelis L, Ciofi Degli Atti ML, Rizzo C. Pre-COVID-19-pandemic RSV epidemiology and clinical burden in pediatric primary care in Italy: a comparative analysis across two regions for the 2019/2020 season. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:388. [PMID: 38605310 PMCID: PMC11007985 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children under 5 years have a significant clinical burden, also in primary care settings. This study investigates the epidemiology and burden of RSV in Italian children during the 2019/20 pre-pandemic winter season. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted in two Italian regions. Children with Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) visiting pediatricians were eligible. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and analyzed via multiplex PCR for RSV detection. A follow-up questionnaire after 14 days assessed disease burden, encompassing healthcare utilization and illness duration. Statistical analyses, including regression models, explored associations between variables such as RSV subtype and regional variations. RESULTS Of 293 children with ARI, 41% (119) tested positive for RSV. Median illness duration for RSV-positive cases was 7 days; 6% required hospitalization (median stay: 7 days). Medication was prescribed to 95% (110/116) of RSV cases, with 31% (34/116) receiving antibiotics. RSV subtype B and regional factors predicted increased healthcare utilization. Children with shortness of breath experienced a 36% longer illness duration. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights a significant clinical burden and healthcare utilization associated with RSV in pre-pandemic Italian primary care settings. Identified predictors, including RSV subtype and symptomatology, indicate the need for targeted interventions and resource allocation strategies. RSV epidemiology can guide public health strategies for the implementation of preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Pandolfi
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Loconsole
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Chironna
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - John Paget
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Luisa Russo
- Division of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Campagna
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ileana Croci
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Concato
- Virology Unit, Laboratory Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Virology Unit, Laboratory Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Eugenio Tozzi
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Linardos
- Virology Unit, Laboratory Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Bartolucci
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ciampini
- Local Health Unit, Public Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Onetti Muda
- Department of Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi De Angelis
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Caterina Rizzo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Cutrera R, Ciofi Degli Atti ML, Dotta A, D'Amore C, Ravà L, Perno CF, Villani A. Epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus in a large pediatric hospital in Central Italy and development of a forecasting model to predict the seasonal peak. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:65. [PMID: 38589886 PMCID: PMC11003041 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01624-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is responsible for the majority of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and can affect also older age groups. Restrictions linked to the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and their subsequent lifting caused a change in the dynamics of RSV circulation. It is therefore fundamental to monitor RSV seasonal trends and to be able to predict its seasonal peak to be prepared to the next RSV epidemics. METHODS We performed a retrospective descriptive study on laboratory-confirmed RSV infections from Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2022. Data on RSV-positive respiratory samples (n = 3,536) and RSV-confirmed hospitalizations (n = 1,895) on patients aged 0-18 years were analyzed. In addition to this, a SARIMA (Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average) forecasting model was developed to predict the next peak of RSV. RESULTS Findings show that, after the 2020 SARS-CoV-2 pandemic season, where RSV circulation was almost absent, RSV infections presented with an increased and anticipated peak compared to pre-pandemic seasons. While mostly targeting infants below 1 year of age, there was a proportional increase in RSV infections and hospitalizations in older age groups in the post-pandemic period. A forecasting model built using RSV weekly data from 2018 to 2022 predicted the RSV peaks of 2023, showing a reasonable level of accuracy (MAPE 33%). Additional analysis indicated that the peak of RSV cases is expected to be reached after 4-5 weeks from case doubling. CONCLUSION Our study provides epidemiological evidence on the dynamics of RSV circulation before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings highlight the potential of combining surveillance and forecasting to promote preparedness for the next RSV epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Cutrera
- Pediatric Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Luisa Ciofi Degli Atti
- Epidemiology, Clinical Pathways and Clinical Risk Unit, Medical Direction, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrea Dotta
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen D'Amore
- Epidemiology, Clinical Pathways and Clinical Risk Unit, Medical Direction, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucilla Ravà
- Epidemiology, Clinical Pathways and Clinical Risk Unit, Medical Direction, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology, Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Villani
- Hospital University Pediatric Clinical Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Systems Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Scarpaci M, Bracaloni S, Esposito E, De Angelis L, Baglivo F, Casini B, Panatto D, Ogliastro M, Loconsole D, Chironna M, Pariani E, Pellegrinelli L, Pandolfi E, Croci I, Rizzo C. RSV Disease Burden in Primary Care in Italy: A Multi-Region Pediatric Study, Winter Season 2022-2023. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13282. [PMID: 38622776 PMCID: PMC11018906 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most frequent causes of respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age, but its socioeconomic impact and burden in primary care settings is still little studied. METHODS During the 2022/2023 winter season, 55 pediatricians from five Italian regions participated in our community-based study. They collected a nasal swab for RSV molecular test from 650 patients under the age of 5 with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and performed a baseline questionnaire. The clinical and socioeconomic burden of RSV disease in primary care was evaluated by two follow-up questionnaires completed by the parents of positive children on Days 14 and 30. RESULTS RSV laboratory-confirmed cases were 37.8% of the total recruited ARI cases, with RSV subtype B accounting for the majority (65.4%) of RSV-positive swabs. RSV-positive children were younger than RSV-negative ones (median 12.5 vs. 16.5 months). The mean duration of symptoms for all children infected by RSV was 11.47 ± 6.27 days. We did not observe substantial differences in clinical severity between the two RSV subtypes, but RSV-A positive patients required more additional pediatric examinations than RSV-B cases. The socioeconomic impact of RSV infection was considerable, causing 53% of children to be absent from school, 46% of parents to lose working days, and 25% of families to incur extra costs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings describe a baseline of the RSV disease burden in primary care in Italy before the introduction of upcoming immunization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Scarpaci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Sara Bracaloni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Enrica Esposito
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Luigi De Angelis
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Francesco Baglivo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Beatrice Casini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | | | | | - Daniela Loconsole
- Hygiene Section, Department of Interdisciplinary MedicineUniversity of Bari “A. Moro”BariItaly
| | - Maria Chironna
- Hygiene Section, Department of Interdisciplinary MedicineUniversity of Bari “A. Moro”BariItaly
| | - Elena Pariani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for HealthUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | | | - Elisabetta Pandolfi
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research UnitBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Ileana Croci
- Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research UnitBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Caterina Rizzo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
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Servadio M, Finocchietti M, Vassallo C, Cipelli R, Heiman F, Di Lucchio G, Oresta B, Addis A, Belleudi V. An epidemiological investigation of high-risk infants for Respiratory Syncytial Virus infections: a retrospective cohort study. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:56. [PMID: 38528568 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01627-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections may lead to severe consequences in infants born preterm with breathing problems (such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)) or congenital heart diseases (CHD). Since studies investigating the influence of different gestational age (WGA) and concomitant specific comorbidities on the burden of RSV infections are scarce, the present study aimed to better characterize these high-risk populations in the Italian context. METHODS This retrospective, longitudinal and record-linkage cohort study involved infants born between 2017 and 2019 in Lazio Region (Italy) and is based on data extracted from administrative databases. Each infant was exclusively included in one of the following cohorts: (1) BPD-RDS (WGA ≤35 with or without CHD) or (2) CHD (without BPD and/or RDS) or (3) Preterm (WGA ≤35 without BPD (and/or RDS) or CHD). Each cohort was followed for 12 months from birth. Information related to sociodemographic at birth, and RSV and Undetermined Respiratory Agents (URA) hospitalizations and drug consumption at follow-up were retrieved and described. RESULTS A total of 8,196 infants were selected and classified as 1,084 BPD-RDS, 3,286 CHD and 3,826 Preterm. More than 30% of the BPD-RDS cohort was composed by early preterm infants (WGA ≤ 29) in contrast to the Preterm cohort predominantly constitute by moderate preterm infants (98.2%), while CHD infants were primarily born at term (83.9%). At follow-up, despite the cohorts showed similar proportions of RSV hospitalizations, in BPD-RDS cohort hospitalizations were more frequently severe compared to those occurred in the Preterm cohort (p<0.01), in the BPD-RDS cohort was also found the highest proportion of URA hospitalizations (p<0.0001). In addition, BPD-RDS infants, compared to those of the remaining cohorts, received more frequently prophylaxis with palivizumab (p<0.0001) and were more frequently treated with adrenergics inhalants, and glucocorticoids for systemic use. CONCLUSIONS The assessment of the study clinical outcomes highlighted that, the demographic and clinical characteristics at birth of the study cohorts influence their level of vulnerability to RSV and URA infections. As such, continuous monitoring of these populations is necessary in order to ensure a timely organization of health care system able to respond to their needs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Servadio
- Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service Lazio, Dipartimento di Epidemiologia del Servizio Sanitario Regionale del Lazio, Rome, Italy
- IQVIA Solutions Italy S.r.l., Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Finocchietti
- Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service Lazio, Dipartimento di Epidemiologia del Servizio Sanitario Regionale del Lazio, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Bianca Oresta
- AstraZeneca S.p.A. - Medical Department, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Addis
- Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service Lazio, Dipartimento di Epidemiologia del Servizio Sanitario Regionale del Lazio, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valeria Belleudi
- Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service Lazio, Dipartimento di Epidemiologia del Servizio Sanitario Regionale del Lazio, Rome, Italy
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Congedo G, Lombardi GS, Zjalic D, Di Russo M, La Gatta E, Regazzi L, Indolfi G, Staiano A, Cadeddu C. Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of a sample of Italian paediatricians towards RSV and its preventive strategies: a cross-sectional study. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:35. [PMID: 38424627 PMCID: PMC10905893 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection mainly affects newborns, infants and young children aged < 2 years. Since an RSV vaccine is in the European Medicines Agency's waitlist validation, nowadays the prevention only includes passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies (mAb). In the present study we aimed at investigating Italian paediatricians' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards RSV and its prevention. METHODS From February to May 2023, an anonymous online questionnaire, with answers based on the Likert scale, was administered to a sample of Italian paediatricians' members of the Italian Society of Paediatrics. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using STATA 17. RESULTS The paediatricians who answered the questionnaire were 507, mostly women (70.6%), aged 30-45 (33.1%), employed in hospitals in 66.6% of cases. The 10.8% of respondents reported that RSV is transmitted only among children younger than 2 years of age and 80.33% of participants that school-age children are not at risk of developing severe forms of RSV disease. The 25% of participants thought that active immunization is currently available to prevent RSV infection and 35.7% that does not exist passive immunization to prevent RSV for infants and newborns aged < 2 years. The 97.5% of physicians managed bronchiolitis cases and 65.6% of participants did not prescribe the administration of mAb. Higher age, seniority and RSV knowledge score were found to be associated with having a higher mAb knowledge score (p < 0.001) and having a higher RSV knowledge was associated with a higher mAb knowledge score (p < 0.001). The logistic regression model found that the odds of a positive attitude towards mAB knowledge score increased by over 3 times (OR 3.23, 95% CI [1.41, 7.40], p = 0.006) for being female and the odds of a positive attitude towards mAB knowledge score increased by almost 10 times (OR 9.73, 95% CI [3.06, 30.89], p < 0.001) for a one-unit increase in RSV knowledge score. CONCLUSIONS Paediatricians' limited knowledge or awareness could represent a barrier to the implementation of preventive strategies against RSV infection. Strategies to improve paediatricians' education on RSV prevention are, therefore, crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Congedo
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
| | - Gaia Surya Lombardi
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Doris Zjalic
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Mattia Di Russo
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Emanuele La Gatta
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Regazzi
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Indolfi
- Department Neurofarba, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
- Meyer Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Firenze, Italy
| | - Annamaria Staiano
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, Università degli studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Guadalupe-Fernández V, Martínez-Solanas E, Sabrià-Sunyé A, Ferrer-Mikoly C, Martínez-Mateo A, Ciruela-Navas P, Mendioroz J, Basile L. Investigating epidemiological distribution (temporality and intensity) of respiratory pathogens following COVID-19 de-escalation process in Catalonia, September 2016-June 2021: Analysis of regional surveillance data. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0285892. [PMID: 38335176 PMCID: PMC10857536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the low incidence rates of non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses registered during the strict lockdown enforced in the pandemic, a resurgence of several endemic viruses in Catalonia (Spain) was noted during the early summer of 2021. OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated whether the circulation of non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses in Catalonia, assessed by Microbiological Reporting System of Catalonia (MRSC) and the Epidemiological Surveillance Network of Catalonia, was affected by the strict lockdown measures, as well as, the implication of the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) de-escalation process in the late season outbreaks registered during the 2020-2021 season. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective comparison of epidemic patterns in the respiratory viruses' incidence, using regional public health surveillance data from MRSC, was performed between weeks 26/2016 to week 27/2021. Data were expressed as the weekly total number of test positivity for individual viruses. A segmented negative binomial regression model was conducted, with two parameters included (level and trend) for each segment of the time series (2020 pre-lockdown, 2020 post-lockdown and 2021). Results were reported as a unit changed in the strict lockdown. RESULTS A total of 51588 confirmed cases of the different respiratory viruses were included in the analysis, the majority were influenza cases (63.7%). An immediate reduction in the weekly number of cases was observed in 2020 after the COVID-19 outbreak for human adenovirus virus (HAdV) (β2 = -2.606; P <0.01), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) (β2 = -3.023; P <0.01), influenza virus (IFV) (β2 = -1.259; P <0.01), but not for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), where the number of cases remained unchanged. During 2020, a significant negative trend was found for RSV (β3 = -0.170, P <0.01), and a positive trend for HAdV (β3 = 0.075, P <0.01). During 2021, a significant reduction in the weekly number of cases was also observed for all respiratory viruses, and a borderline non-significant reduction for HPIV (β3 = -0.027; P = 0.086). Moreover, significant positive trends were found for each viral pathogen, except for influenza during 2020-2021 season, where cases remained close to zero. The respiratory viruses increased activity and their late season epidemic start particularly affected children under 6 years old. CONCLUSIONS Our data not only provides evidence that occurrence of different respiratory virus infections was affected by the strict lockdown taken against SARS-CoV-2 but it also shows a late resurgence of seasonal respiratory viruses' cases during the 2020-2021 season following the relaxation of COVID-19-targeted non-pharmaceutical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Guadalupe-Fernández
- Sub-Directorate General of Surveillance and Response to Public Health Emergencies, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Support Unit of Central Catalonia, University Institute for Research in Primary Health Care Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
| | - Erica Martínez-Solanas
- Sub-Directorate General of Surveillance and Response to Public Health Emergencies, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aurora Sabrià-Sunyé
- Sub-Directorate General of Surveillance and Response to Public Health Emergencies, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carol Ferrer-Mikoly
- Sub-Directorate General of Surveillance and Response to Public Health Emergencies, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Martínez-Mateo
- Sub-Directorate General of Surveillance and Response to Public Health Emergencies, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Ciruela-Navas
- Sub-Directorate General of Surveillance and Response to Public Health Emergencies, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jacobo Mendioroz
- Sub-Directorate General of Surveillance and Response to Public Health Emergencies, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Support Unit of Central Catalonia, University Institute for Research in Primary Health Care Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
| | - Luca Basile
- Sub-Directorate General of Surveillance and Response to Public Health Emergencies, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
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Bechini A, Salvati C, Bonito B, Del Riccio M, Stancanelli E, Bruschi M, Ionita G, Iamarino JA, Bentivegna D, Buscemi P, Ciardi G, Cosma C, Stacchini L, Conticello C, Bega M, Paoli S, Schirripa A, Bertizzolo L, Muzii B, Azzi MV, Parisi S, Trippi F, Bonanni P, Boccalini S. Costs and healthcare utilisation due to respiratory syncytial virus disease in paediatric patients in Italy: a systematic review. Public Health 2024; 227:103-111. [PMID: 38154422 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a frequent cause of acute lower respiratory infection in children, imposing a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. This systematic review aimed to assess the economic burden and healthcare utilisation of RSV in children aged 0-59 months in Italy. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the International HTA Database, including studies published in English or Italian, was conducted between January 2000 and July 2022. Inclusion criteria required studies to be conducted in Italy and provide data on the economic costs and healthcare resource utilisation related to RSV infections. RESULTS Out of 20,845 records screened, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. Only one study provided comprehensive data on RSV disease costs, including hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, and medical procedures for infants with RSV-bronchiolitis. The mean cost per inpatient was higher for RSV-positive children (€5753.43 ± €2041.62) than that for RSV-negative children. Additionally, five studies reported a median length of hospital stay of 5 days for RSV-infected children, and four studies indicated a higher frequency of intensive care unit admissions for RSV-infected children than for those with other viral infections. CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review to examine the economic burden and healthcare utilisation of RSV in children aged 0-59 months in Italy. While limited data were available, the findings underscore the urgency to conduct further research and gather additional evidence on the costs and healthcare resource utilisation associated with RSV infections. Such efforts are essential for informing the development of effective prevention strategies for paediatric RSV infections in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bechini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Cristina Salvati
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Benedetta Bonito
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Marco Del Riccio
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy.
| | - Enrica Stancanelli
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Mario Bruschi
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Giulia Ionita
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Johanna Alexandra Iamarino
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Davide Bentivegna
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Primo Buscemi
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Giulia Ciardi
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Claudia Cosma
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Stacchini
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Cristiana Conticello
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Manjola Bega
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Sonia Paoli
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Annamaria Schirripa
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Sara Boccalini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
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11
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Treggiari D, Pomari C, Zavarise G, Piubelli C, Formenti F, Perandin F. Characteristics of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Children in the Post-COVID Seasons: A Northern Italy Hospital Experience. Viruses 2024; 16:126. [PMID: 38257826 PMCID: PMC10820224 DOI: 10.3390/v16010126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health measures for COVID-19 mitigation influenced the circulation of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the 2020-2021 winter season. In the following autumn, an unprecedented resurgence of RSV occurred. Our study monitored RSV pediatric infections one and two years after the relaxation of containment measures for the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We analyzed diagnostic molecular data for SARS-CoV-2, flu, and RSV infections and clinical data from children with respiratory symptoms referring to our hospital during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons. RESULTS In the 2021-2022 season, the number of RSV-affected children was very high, especially for babies <1 year. The outbreak appeared in a shorter interval of time, with a high clinical severity. In the 2022-23 season, a reduced number of infected pediatric patients were detected, with a similar hospitalization rate (46% vs. 40%), and RSV accounted for 12% of the infections. Coinfections were observed in age <2 years. In RSV patients, symptoms were similar across the two seasons. CONCLUSIONS The clinical presentation of RSV in the two post-COVID seasons suggests that the pathophysiology of the virus did not change across these two years. Further studies are needed to continuously monitor RSV to support an effective prevention strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Treggiari
- Department of Tropical, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Chiara Pomari
- Andrus Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Giorgio Zavarise
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy;
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Tropical, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Fabio Formenti
- Department of Tropical, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesca Perandin
- Department of Tropical, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.)
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12
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Peri F, Lorenzon B, Cason C, Amaddeo A, Norbedo S, Comar M, Barbi E, Cozzi G. Urgent Hospitalizations Related to Viral Respiratory Disease in Children during Autumn and Winter Seasons 2022/2023. Viruses 2023; 15:2425. [PMID: 38140665 PMCID: PMC10748011 DOI: 10.3390/v15122425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The loosening of social distancing measures over the past two years has led to a resurgence of seasonal epidemics associated with respiratory viral infections in children. We aim to describe the impact of such infections through urgent hospitalizations in a pediatric emergency department. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of medical records of all children and adolescents with a positive nasal swab admitted at the children's hospital IRCCS Burlo Garofolo of Trieste, in Italy, from September 2021 to March 2022, and September 2022 to March 2023. RESULTS Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza viruses accounted for up to 55% of hospitalizations for respiratory infections during the study periods. During the last season, the number of hospitalizations related to the Influenza virus was five times higher than those related to SARS-CoV-2 (25% vs. 5%). Respiratory Syncytial Virus was associated with a greater need for respiratory support, mostly HFNC (High Flow Nasal Cannula). CONCLUSIONS Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza virus had a more significant impact on urgent hospitalizations during the past wintery seasons than SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Peri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (B.L.); (E.B.)
| | - Beatrice Lorenzon
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (B.L.); (E.B.)
| | - Carolina Cason
- SSD of Advanced Microbiology Diagnosis and Translational Research, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Alessandro Amaddeo
- Emergency Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.A.); (S.N.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefania Norbedo
- Emergency Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.A.); (S.N.); (G.C.)
| | - Manola Comar
- SSD of Advanced Microbiology Diagnosis and Translational Research, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (B.L.); (E.B.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgio Cozzi
- Emergency Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.A.); (S.N.); (G.C.)
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13
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Aricò MO, Wrona D, Lavezzo G, Valletta E. Nasal CPAP in the Pediatric Ward to Reduce PICU Admissions for Severe Bronchiolitis? Pediatr Rep 2023; 15:599-607. [PMID: 37873801 PMCID: PMC10594455 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric15040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In treating acute bronchiolitis in infants, the decision to use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) often involves infant referral from the pediatric ward to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We present our experience of CPAP use in a general pediatric ward, aiming to reduce the pressure on the PICU in recent outbreaks of bronchiolitis. Clinical data of patients less than 12 months of age and admitted for bronchiolitis from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2023 were retrospectively collected. Of 82 infants admitted for bronchiolitis, 16 (19%) were treated with nasal CPAP (nCPAP group); of the remaining 66, 21 (26%) were treated with a low-flow nasal cannula (LFNC) only, 1 (1%) was also treated a with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), 12 (15%) were treated with an HFNC only, and 41 (50%) were treated without oxygen support (no-nCPAP group). Overall, coinfection with RSV and SARS-CoV-2 was observed in three patients and SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed in two patients. None of them required any type of oxygen support. Only 3/16 (19%) infants in the nCPAP group were referred to the PICU due to worsening clinical conditions despite nCPAP support. In our experience of treating epidemic bronchiolitis, nCPAP can be safely managed in a general pediatric ward, thus reducing the burden of admissions to the PICU. Training and regular updating of the pediatric staff, careful monitoring of the patient, and close cooperation with the PICU were instrumental for our team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melodie O. Aricò
- Department of Pediatrics, G.B. Morgagni—L. Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 48018 Forli, Italy;
| | - Diana Wrona
- School of Specialization in Pediatrics, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.W.); (G.L.)
| | - Giovanni Lavezzo
- School of Specialization in Pediatrics, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.W.); (G.L.)
| | - Enrico Valletta
- Department of Pediatrics, G.B. Morgagni—L. Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 48018 Forli, Italy;
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14
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Ramos La Cuey B, Saloni-Gomez N, Ilundain López de Munain A, Fernández-Montero A, Viguria N, López Fernández L, Herranz Aguirre M, Iceta A, Moreno-Galarraga L. The long-term boomerang effect of COVID-19 on admissions for non-COVID diseases: the ECIEN-2022 study. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4227-4236. [PMID: 37452843 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05101-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Since COVID-19 pandemic started, many changes have been seen in the cycling patterns of pediatric pathologies. On year 2020, we described the initial effects of COVID-19, with a significant decrease in emergency visits and admissions, but 2 years later the situation seems to be reversed. Our study bridges a literature gap by exploring the lasting effects of COVID-19 on pediatric non-COVID admissions, particularly the resurgence of respiratory illnesses. ECIEN-2022 is a single-center, retrospective, observational-study conducted 3 years after the pandemic onset, to describe the long-term effects of COVID-19 in pediatric admissions for non-COVID diseases. Admissions during year 2022 were compared with the Pre-Pandemic Period (PPP: 2015-2019). Pediatric Emergency Department (P-ED) visits, hospital, and Intensive Care Unit (P-ICU) admissions were compared across pre- and post-pandemic periods. Monthly distribution and year-waves are presented. P-ED monthly visits (mean and Standard deviation (SD) raised from 3521 (533) in the PPP to 3775 (996) in 2022 (p < 0.001). Monthly hospital admissions in the 3rd quarter of the Pre-Pandemic Period were 111.7/month (SD:29), dropped to 88.5(SD:6.5) in 2020 and raised to 149(SD:38.8) in 2022 (p = 0.036). An increase in respiratory illnesses was observed in 2022 compared to PPP; Bronchiolitis increased 38%, bronchitis 56%, and admissions for Respiratory Syncytial Virus 67%. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the use and nature of pediatric health services. The initial decrease has been followed by a boomerang effect with an increase of cases, mainly due to an increase in respiratory infections when pandemic control measures and social restrictions have been lifted. It is essential to maintain an active surveillance and monitorization of these patterns to ensure appropriate healthcare access and utilization. What is Known: • COVID-19 pandemic initially led to a significant decrease in emergency visits and admissions for non-COVID diseases. What is New: • ECIEN-2022 study investigated the long-term effects of COVID-19 on pediatric admissions for non-COVID diseases, detecting a "boomerang effect" with an increase in pediatric admissions for non-COVID diseases in year 2022. • Pediatric Emergency Department visits and hospital admissions for non-COVID diseases, especially those due to respiratory infections, increased significantly in 2022 when compared to the Pre-Pandemic Period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ramos La Cuey
- Department of Pediatrics, HUN, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Neus Saloni-Gomez
- Department of Pediatrics, HUN, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Fernández-Montero
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Natividad Viguria
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Pediatric Pulmonology, HUN, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, C/ Irunlarrea No 8, 31008, Pamplona, Navarra, IdisNa, Spain
| | - Leyre López Fernández
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Pediatric Pulmonology, HUN, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, C/ Irunlarrea No 8, 31008, Pamplona, Navarra, IdisNa, Spain
| | | | - Ainhoa Iceta
- Department of Pediatrics, HUN, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno-Galarraga
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
- Pediatric Pulmonology, HUN, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, C/ Irunlarrea No 8, 31008, Pamplona, Navarra, IdisNa, Spain.
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15
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Cozzi G, Sovtic A, Garelli D, Krivec U, Silvagni D, Corsini I, Colombo M, Giangreco M, Giannattasio A, Milani GP, Minute M, Marchetti F, Gatto A, Debbia C, Gortan AJ, Massaro M, Hatziagorou E, Ravidà D, Diamand R, Jones E, Visekruna J, Zago A, Barbi E, Amaddeo A, Cortellazzo Wiel L. SARS-CoV-2-related bronchiolitis: a multicentre international study. Arch Dis Child 2023; 108:e15. [PMID: 37130726 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchiolitis is the main acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants. Data regarding SARS-CoV-2-related bronchiolitis are limited. OBJECTIVE To describe the main clinical characteristics of infants with SARS-CoV-2-related bronchiolitis in comparison with infants with bronchiolitis associated with other viruses. SETTING, PATIENTS, INTERVENTIONS A multicentre retrospective study was conducted in 22 paediatric emergency departments (PED) in Europe and Israel. Infants diagnosed with bronchiolitis, who had a test for SARS-CoV-2 and were kept in clinical observation in the PED or admitted to hospital from 1 May 2021 to 28 February 2022 were considered eligible for participation. Demographic and clinical data, diagnostic tests, treatments and outcomes were collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome was the need for respiratory support in infants testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 compared with infants testing negative. RESULTS 2004 infants with bronchiolitis were enrolled. Of these, 95 (4.7%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Median age, gender, weight, history of prematurity and presence of comorbidities did not differ between the SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative infants. Human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus were the viruses most frequently detected in the group of infants negative for SARS-CoV-2.Infants testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 received oxygen supplementation less frequently compared with SARS-CoV-2-negative patients, 37 (39%) vs 1076 (56.4%), p=0.001, OR 0.49 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.75). They received less ventilatory support: 12 (12.6%) high flow nasal cannulae vs 468 (24.5%), p=0.01; 1 (1.0%) continuous positive airway pressure vs 125 (6.6%), p=0.03, OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.85). CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 rarely causes bronchiolitis in infants. SARS-CoV-2-related bronchiolitis mostly has a mild clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Cozzi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Aleksandar Sovtic
- Institute for Health Protection of Mother and Child of Serbia 'Dr Vukan Cupic', Beograd, Serbia
- University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Beograd, Serbia
| | | | - Uros Krivec
- Department of Pediatric Pulmology, University Children's Hospital Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Davide Silvagni
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsini
- IRCCS Policlinico Ospedaliero Universitario di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Colombo
- Pediatric Emergency Deparment, Ospedale Filippo del Ponte, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Manuela Giangreco
- Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Gregorio Paolo Milani
- Paediatric Emergency Department, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Minute
- Ospedale Regionale Ca Foncello Treviso, Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Gatto
- Department of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Debbia
- Emergency Departement, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Marta Massaro
- Ospedale Santa Maria degli Angeli di Pordenone, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Elpis Hatziagorou
- Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, 3rd Pediatric Dept, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Domenico Ravidà
- Institute of Pediatrics of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Raz Diamand
- Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Jelena Visekruna
- Institute for Health Protection of Mother and Child of Serbia 'Dr Vukan Cupic', Beograd, Serbia
| | | | - Egidio Barbi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
- University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Amaddeo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
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16
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Baldassarre ME, Loconsole D, Centrone F, Caselli D, Martire B, Quartulli L, Acquafredda A, D'Amato G, Maffei G, Latorre G, Riganti A, Di Noia M, Chironna M, Laforgia N. Hospitalization for bronchiolitis in children aged ≤ 1year, Southern Italy, year 2021: need for new preventive strategies? Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:66. [PMID: 37280662 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchiolitis is a major cause of hospitalization in infants, particularly in the first six months of life, with approximately 60-80% of admissions due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Currently, no prophylactic options are available for healthy infants. The present study aimed at describing the demographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics of infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis in the Apulia region of Italy in 2021. METHODS From January to December 2021, data on children aged 0-12 months admitted for bronchiolitis in nine neonatal or pediatric units covering 61% of pediatric beds of hospitals in the Apulia region of Italy were analyzed. Demographic data, comorbidities, need for oxygen support, length of hospital stay, palivizumab administration, and outcomes were collected. For the purpose of the analysis, patients were divided into those aged 0-3 months and > 3 months. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore associations between the need for oxygen support and sex, age, comorbidities, history of prematurity, length of hospital stay, and palivizumab administration. RESULTS This study included 349 children aged 0-12 months admitted for bronchiolitis, with a peak of hospitalization in November (7.4 cases/1,000 children). Of these patients, 70.5% were RSV positive, 80.2% were aged 0-3 months, and 73.1% required oxygen support. Moreover, 34.9% required observation in the sub-intensive care unit, and 12.9% in the intensive care unit. Of the infants who required intensive care, 96.9% were aged 0-3 months and 78.8% were born at term. Three patients required mechanical ventilation and one, who required Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation, died. Children aged 0-3 months were more likely to show dyspnea, need oxygen support, and have a longer hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that almost all of the children who required intensive care support were aged ≤ 3 months and most were born at term. Therefore, this age group remains the highest risk group for severe bronchiolitis. Preventive measures such as single-dose monoclonal antibody immunoprophylaxis, and maternal and childhood vaccination against RSV, may reduce the high public health burden of bronchiolitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre
- Unit of Neonatology and Intensive Care, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Daniela Loconsole
- Hygiene Section, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Francesca Centrone
- Hygiene Section, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Desiree Caselli
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Giovanni XXIII Children Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Baldassarre Martire
- Unit of Pediatrics and Neonatology, "Monsignor Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta, BT, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Acquafredda
- Unit of Pediatrics and Neonatology, "G. Tatarella" Hospital, Cerignola, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Gianfranco Maffei
- Neonatology and Intensive Care Unit, "Ospedali Riuniti" Hospital, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Latorre
- Neonatology and Intensive Care Unit, "Miulli" Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Anita Riganti
- Neonatology Unit, "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Maria Chironna
- Hygiene Section, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University, Bari, 70124, Italy.
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Unit of Neonatology and Intensive Care, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University, Bari, 70124, Italy
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Torres AR, Guiomar RG, Verdasca N, Melo A, Rodrigues AP. Resurgence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children: An Out-of-Season Epidemic in Portugal. ACTA MEDICA PORT 2023; 36:343-352. [PMID: 36705636 DOI: 10.20344/amp.18589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An out-of-season increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) incidence was observed in Portugal from June 2021 onwards, revealing a continuing surge in cases throughout 2021/2022 autumn/winter. We aimed to describe this out-of-season epidemic and define its epidemic period, by analysing RSV incidence from week 40 of 2020 (2020-W40) to week 18 of 2022 (2022-W18). MATERIAL AND METHODS Surveillance data on weekly RSV laboratory confirmed cases, in Portugal, was used to monitor RSV incidence using CUSUM test methodology for count data. RESULTS In 2021-W23, the CUSUM score identified a significant increase in the risk of RSV. By that time, the percentage of RSV positive tests rose from 1% in 2021-W22 (3/265) to 6% in 2021-W23 (18/298). Despite a sharp decrease in RSV incidence on 2021-W33 and on 2022-W02, the CUSUM score stayed over the limit up to 2022-W07, indicating that the RSV activity remained at an epidemic level. Distinct peaks of RSV cases were observed between 2021-W30 and 2021-W32 (average of 77 RSV cases per week) and between 2021-W39 and 2021-W41 (average of 79 RSV cases per week) with positivity rates around 60%. CONCLUSION An out-of-season RSV epidemic was identified, with a longer epidemic period compared with previous seasons. Possible reasons include relaxation of COVID-19 physical distancing measures and a greater proportion of population susceptible to disease. As several factors may change the pattern of RSV activity, countries should implement year-round surveillance RSV surveillance systems. These findings might have an impact on public health planning regarding future RSV surges, namely, on the palivizumab prophylaxis period for high-risk infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Torres
- Departamento de Epidemiologia. Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge. Lisboa. Portugal
| | - Raquel Guiomar Guiomar
- Departamento de Doenças Infeciosas. Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge. Lisboa. Portugal
| | - Nuno Verdasca
- Departamento de Doenças Infeciosas. Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge. Lisboa. Portugal
| | - Aryse Melo
- Departamento de Doenças Infeciosas. Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge. Lisboa. Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Rodrigues
- Departamento de Epidemiologia. Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge. Lisboa. Portugal
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18
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Chuang YC, Lin KP, Wang LA, Yeh TK, Liu PY. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: A Narrative Review. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:661-675. [PMID: 36743336 PMCID: PMC9897071 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s396434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common respiratory viruses. It not only affects young children but also the elderly and immunocompromised patients. After the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, a dramatic reduction in RSV activity was found, which coincided with the implementation of public health and social measures (PHSMs). However, the correlation is more complicated than we initially thought. After PHSMs were gradually lifted, a seasonality shift and a delayed RSV outbreak with greater number of infected patients were found in numerous countries, such as Israel, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, France, United States, and Japan. Several hypotheses and possible reasons explaining the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and RSV were mentioned. Since RSV vaccinations are still under investigation, administration of palivizumab should be considered in high-risk patients. In the post-COVID-19 era, greater attention should be paid to a further resurgence of RSV. In this narrative review, we conducted a thorough review of the current knowledge on the epidemiology of RSV during the COVID-19 era, the out-of-season outbreak of RSV, and the data on co-infection with RSV and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuan Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Pei Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Li-An Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Kuang Yeh
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan,Genomic Center for Infectious Diseases, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yu Liu
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan,Genomic Center for Infectious Diseases, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan,Ph.D. in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan,Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan,Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan,Correspondence: Po-Yu Liu, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No. 1650, Sec. 4, Taiwan Blvd., Xitun Dist, Taichung City, 407219, Taiwan, Tel +886 4 2359 2525, Email
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19
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Loconsole D, Centrone F, Aprile V, Sallustio A, Casulli D, Accogli M, Sacco D, Zagaria R, Chironna M. What's Next for Flu? Out-of-Season Circulation of Influenza Viruses in Southern Italy, August 2022. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122689. [PMID: 36560693 PMCID: PMC9783519 DOI: 10.3390/v14122689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has modified the seasonal pattern of respiratory infections. The objective of the present study is to characterize the out-of-season circulation of influenza viruses and an influenza outbreak that occurred in southern Italy in August 2022. Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from patients with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) were tested for the presence of influenza and other respiratory viruses. Epidemiological investigations on 85 patients involved in an influenza outbreak were performed. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin genes was undertaken on samples positive for influenza A. In August 2022, in the Apulia region (Italy), influenza A infection was diagnosed in 19 patients, 18 infected with A/H3N2 and one with A/H1N1pdm09 virus. Seven influenza-positive patients were hospitalized with ILI. A further 17 symptomatic subjects, associated with an influenza outbreak, were also tested; 11 were positive for influenza A/H3N2 virus. Phylogenetic analysis of 12 of the A/H3N2 sequences showed that they all belonged to subclade 3C.2a1b.2a.2. The A/H1N1pdm09 strain belonged to subclade 6B.1A.5a.2. The out-of-season circulation of the influenza virus during the summer months could be linked to changing dynamics in the post-COVID-19 era, as well as to the impact of climate change. Year-round surveillance of respiratory viruses is needed to monitor this phenomenon and to provide effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Loconsole
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Hygiene Section, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Centrone
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Hygiene Section, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Valerio Aprile
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Unit of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Anna Sallustio
- Hygiene Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Daniele Casulli
- Hygiene Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marisa Accogli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Hygiene Section, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Sacco
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Hygiene Section, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zagaria
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Hygiene Section, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Chironna
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Hygiene Section, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-080-5478498; Fax: +39-080-5593887
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