COVID-19 in tobacco users.

Smoking is a significant social problem threatening the population's health, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the problem's urgency, we present a clinical case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient with 10 years of smoking and concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis and peribronchial pneumosclerosis). Patient L.K., 42 years old, on 13.10.2022, was hospitalized for several hours at the Emergency Hospital of the Ministry of Health of Chuvashia (Cheboksary) with a severe new coronavirus infection. Secondary diagnosis: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Case history: for about two to three weeks, the patient noted an increase in body temperature to 37.2-37.4 degreeC and a cough. He has smoked for about 10 years, 1 pack per day. Computed tomography showed signs of bilateral COVID-associated pneumonitis, alveolitis with 85% involvement and consolidation sites, signs of chronic bronchitis, and peribronchial pneumosclerosis. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction in a nasopharyngeal smear. The NEWS2 score was 9. After the treatment started, the patient died. Histological examination showed perivascular sclerosis, peribronchial pneumosclerosis, atrophic changes in the ciliated epithelium, and structural and functional alteration of the bronchial mucosa. In addition, areas of hemorrhage and inflammatory infiltrate in the bronchial wall were found. Coronavirus is known not to cause bronchitis but bronchiolitis. In the presented case, the patient showed signs of transition of bronchitis to the acute stage. Therefore, it can be assumed that the coronavirus acts as a complicating factor. In addition to the described changes, signs of viral interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and early development of acute respiratory distress syndrome were identified.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Respiratory syncytial virus: desperately seeking solutions

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection remains a major public health problem, especially in younger children and the elderly. But several monoclonal antibodies, antivirals and vaccines, either recently launched or in development, offer new hope for RSV prevention and treatment.Copyright © 2023 Wiley Interface Ltd.

Planning for a potential paediatric bronchiolitis surge: How Inter-Professional Education (IPE) was used to build a practice-ready clinical team

Introduction: Bronchiolitis is the most common cause for paediatric respiratory hospital admissions in young children in the UK.1 Following the relaxation of international SARS-Cov-2 lockdown measures a potential national surge in cases was predicted, highlighting a need for more collaborative working across core specialities.2 This prompted the use of the principles of Inter-Professional Education (IPE) to prepare and deliver an intervention to improve outcomes for these patients.3 Objectives: * To plan, deliver and evaluate an educational intervention focussed on improving the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to care for a sick child with bronchiolitis * To utilise the principles of IPE to improve competence and confidence across core specialities involved in the care of a sick child with bronchiolitis Methods: A team from the Adult Intensive Care Unit (AICU) and the Paediatric High Dependency Unit (PHDU) from the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading delivered an inter-professional teaching session focussed on caring for the sick child with bronchiolitis. The patient journey was utilised as a framework to teach the core knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to clinically manage a child from the Emergency Department (ED) to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Each session included a lecture about bronchiolitis - describing pathophysiology and how to recognise the deteriorating child;a skills and drills tutorial - highlighting the need for weight-based calculations for high flow nasal oxygen, intravenous fluids and drugs;and a practical simulation scenario - focussing on the stabilisation and management of a sick child awaiting retrieval to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Result(s): 135 healthcare professionals from a range of adult and paediatric disciplines involved in the care of children across the patient journey attended one of fourteen teaching sessions delivered between September to December 2021. Attendees completed a feedback questionnaire. One hundred and twenty-two (90%) reported an extremely high degree of satisfaction overall, with many saying they would recommend the teaching sessions to others. Areas of personal and professional development were highlighted across the following main themes: gaining theoretical knowledge;understanding key equipment;performing drug calculations;preparing for intubation and ventilation;assessing the need for chest physiotherapy techniques;and more collaborative team-working. Free text comments demonstrated that the attendees felt the teaching sessions: built confidence through the sharing of new or improved knowledge and skills;facilitated a safe space to practice using simulation;and provided the opportunity to learn about and from each other. Many of the attendees also commented on areas they wanted to reinforce and further develop in daily clinical practice as a direct result of the sessions. Conclusion(s): On-going evaluation is taking place as the teaching sessions continue throughout the year, facilitating the inclusion of additional inter-professional groups from across core specialities. These sessions have been used as a template for the development of further planned IPE with a more varied range of paediatric clinical cases and presentations. These will continue to build on the transferable knowledge and skills that increase competence and confidence in caring for the sick child whilst developing a more collaborative practice-ready workforce.

[Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of acute Bronchiolitis.] / Influencia de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre la epidemiología de la bronquiolitis aguda.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the circulation of some viruses associated with acute bronchiolitis. We analyzed the epidemiology of bronchiolitis admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with 8 previous epidemic seasons. METHODS: An observational and ambispective study was performed, including infants admitted with bronchiolitis in a tertiary hospital during 2 periods: COVID-19 pandemic (15th March 2020 to 3st August 2021) and pre-pandemic (1st September 2012 to 14th March 2020). Demographic, clinical data and etiologies were collected. RESULTS: Five hundred ten patients were hospitalized with bronchiolitis: 486 in the pre-pandemic period with an average of 61 admissions per season vs 24 during the pandemic, observing a 60.7% reduction in bronchiolitis admissions. During the pandemic, bronchiolitis outbreak was delayed until spring-summer 2021. Respiratory syncytial virus was the most frequent etiological agent in both periods. CONCLUSION: We observed a change in the seasonality of bronchiolitis during the pandemic COVID-19, possibly influenced by control measures against SARS-CoV-2.

Acute Bronchiolitis in Term Newborns Following Relaxation in COVID-19 Appropriate Behavior

Objective Neonatal bronchiolitis is not well characterized. We studied the profile of acute bronchiolitis in term newborns during a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surge following relaxation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appropriate behavior.Methods This was a retrospective descriptive study performed in the neonatology division of a tertiary care pediatric hospital at Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Term neonates (born at =37 completed gestational weeks) from 7 up to 28 days of life admitted with bronchiolitis over a 1-month period (November 2021) were included.Results Out of total 480 neonatal admissions over a month, 35 (7%) had acute bronchiolitis. Eight neonates were excluded. Out of 27 included neonates, 13 were males. Mean age at presentation was 20 days. All neonates were born at term (=37 completed gestational weeks). Cough (26), rapid breathing (20), and lower chest indrawing (20) were the predominant presenting features. Median SPO2 was 87% (interquartile range 85-92%). Fourteen (52%) neonates needed admission to neonatal intensive care unit. Respiratory support was needed in the form of oxygen through nasal prongs in 24 (89%) newborns. Heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) and bubble continuous positive airway pressure were used in five neonates each. Two neonates were mechanically ventilated. The mean duration of the hospital stay was 6.2 days. All neonates survived.Conclusion A series of 27 term neonates with bronchiolitis during an RSV surge is reported in the aftermath of lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Many of these neonates were sick enough to require significant respiratory support. The outcome was good in all neonates.

Severe bronchiolitis profiling as the first step towards prevention of asthma.

Bronchiolitis is the most common respiratory infection leading to hospitalization and constitutes a significant healthcare burden. The two main viral agents causing bronchiolitis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus (RV), have distinct cytopathic, immune response, and clinical characteristics. Different approaches have been suggested for subtyping bronchiolitis based on viral etiology, atopic status, transcriptome profiles in blood, airway metabolome, lipidomic data, and airway microbiota. The highest risk of asthma at school age has been in a subgroup of bronchiolitis characterized by older age, high prevalence of RV infection, previous breathing problems, and/or eczema. Regarding solely viral etiology, RV-bronchiolitis in infancy has been linked to a nearly three times higher risk of developing asthma than RSV-bronchiolitis. Although treatment with betamimetics and systemic corticosteroids has been found ineffective in bronchiolitis overall, it can be beneficial for infants with severe RV bronchiolitis. Thus, there is a need to develop a more individualized therapeutic approach for bronchiolitis and follow-up strategies for infants at higher risk of asthma in the future perspective.

COVID-19 in tobacco users.

Smoking is a significant social problem threatening the population's health, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the problem's urgency, we present a clinical case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient with 10 years of smoking and concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis and peribronchial pneumosclerosis). Patient L.K., 42 years old, on 13.10.2022, was hospitalized for several hours at the Emergency Hospital of the Ministry of Health of Chuvashia (Cheboksary) with a severe new coronavirus infection. Secondary diagnosis: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Case history: for about two to three weeks, the patient noted an increase in body temperature to 37.2-37.4 degreeC and a cough. He has smoked for about 10 years, 1 pack per day. Computed tomography showed signs of bilateral COVID-associated pneumonitis, alveolitis with 85% involvement and consolidation sites, signs of chronic bronchitis, and peribronchial pneumosclerosis. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction in a nasopharyngeal smear. The NEWS2 score was 9. After the treatment started, the patient died. Histological examination showed perivascular sclerosis, peribronchial pneumosclerosis, atrophic changes in the ciliated epithelium, and structural and functional alteration of the bronchial mucosa. In addition, areas of hemorrhage and inflammatory infiltrate in the bronchial wall were found. Coronavirus is known not to cause bronchitis but bronchiolitis. In the presented case, the patient showed signs of transition of bronchitis to the acute stage. Therefore, it can be assumed that the coronavirus acts as a complicating factor. In addition to the described changes, signs of viral interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and early development of acute respiratory distress syndrome were identified.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Influenza, and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Hospitalizations in Children in Colorado During the 2021-2022 Respiratory Virus Season.

OBJECTIVE: To compare demographic characteristics, clinical features, and outcomes of children hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 during their cocirculation 2021-2022 respiratory virus season. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Colorado's hospital respiratory surveillance data comparing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-, influenza-, and RSV-hospitalized cases < 18 years of age admitted and undergoing standardized molecular testing between October 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. Multivariable log-binomial regression modeling evaluated associations between pathogen type and diagnosis, intensive care unit admission, hospital length of stay, and highest level of respiratory support received. RESULTS: Among 847 hospitalized cases, 490 (57.9%) were RSV associated, 306 (36.1%) were COVID-19 associated, and 51 (6%) were influenza associated. Most RSV cases were <4 years of age (92.9%), whereas influenza hospitalizations were observed in older children. RSV cases were more likely to require oxygen support higher than nasal cannula compared with COVID-19 and influenza cases (P < .0001), although COVID-19 cases were more likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation than influenza and RSV cases (P < .0001). Using multivariable log-binomial regression analyses, compared with children with COVID-19, the risk of intensive care unit admission was highest among children with influenza (relative risk, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.22-3.19), whereas the risk of pneumonia, bronchiolitis, longer hospital length of stay, and need for oxygen were more likely among children with RSV. CONCLUSIONS: In a season with respiratory pathogen cocirculation, children were hospitalized most commonly for RSV, were younger, and required higher oxygen support and non-invasive ventilation compared with children with influenza and COVID-19.

Worldwide research trends on bronchiolitis in pediatrics.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in cases of bronchiolitis among children. As a result, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of publications on this topic. It is essential to examine the main areas of focus within the scientific literature to understand the current trends in research on pediatric bronchiolitis. This research aims to analyze the types of scientific advances related to pediatric bronchiolitis, the research trends being pursued, and the countries and research institutions leading these efforts. By understanding these aspects of bronchiolitis research, we can better understand the current state of knowledge and identify areas where further research is needed. METHODS: To conduct a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on pediatric bronchiolitis, all relevant publications were retrieved from the Scopus database. The Scopus API and the SW VosViewer software with optimized modularity functions were used. This analysis was intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on this topic, including the types of scientific advances being developed, the research trends being pursued, and the countries and research institutions leading these efforts. RESULTS: A total of 3810 publications were reviewed. We observed an increasing number of publications, particularly in recent years. Of these, 73.7% were articles, 95% were written in English, and 29.4% were from the United States. The main keywords used in these publications included: human, bronchiolitis, child, preschool, preschool child, major clinical study, controlled study, pneumonia, asthma, adolescent, hospitalization, infant, and newborn. These keywords were grouped into six clusters: outpatient management, long-term consequences, etiology, intensive care management, diagnostic methods, and the main cluster, which focused on hospital treatment and clinical studies. CONCLUSIONS: The bibliometric analysis of bronchiolitis research in pediatrics reveals that there has been a significant increase in the number of publications on this topic, particularly in recent years. Most of these publications are articles written in English and published in the United States. The main keywords used in these studies relate to various aspects of bronchiolitis, including diagnosis, treatment, and long-term consequences. The results of this analysis suggest that bronchiolitis is a topic of significant interest and concern for researchers and practitioners in the field of pediatrics and that further research is needed to improve our understanding and management of this condition.

Chronic lung disease in children due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: Case series.

The reported prevalence of chronic lung disease (CLD) due to coronavirus 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2)]) pneumonia with the severe acute respiratory syndrome in children is unknown and rarely reported in English literature. In contrast to most other respiratory viruses, children generally have less severe symptoms when infected with SARS-CoV-2. Although only a minority of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection require hospitalization, severe cases have been reported. More severe SARS-CoV-2 respiratory disease in infants has been reported in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs). We describe our experience of five cases of CLD in children due to SARS-CoV-2 collected between April 2020 and August 2022. We included children who had a history of a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test or a positive antibody test in the serum. Three patterns of CLD related to SARS-CoV-2 were identified: (1) CLD in infants postventilation for severe pneumonia (n = 3); (2) small airway disease with bronchiolitis obliterans picture (n = 1) and (3) adolescent with adult-like post-SARS-CoV-2 disease (n = 1). Chest computerized tomography scans showed airspace disease and ground-glass opacities involving both lungs with the development of coarse interstitial markings seen in four patients, reflecting the long-term fibrotic consequences of diffuse alveolar damage that occur in children post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Children with SARS-CoV-2 infection mostly have mild symptoms with little to no long-term sequelae, but the severe long-term respiratory disease can develop.

Molecular Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants and Young Children by the Conventional Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Background: At the peak of the viral season, World Health Organization ranked respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as a major cause of acute respiratory infections in more than 60% of children and more than 80% of infants younger than one year. The current study is the first in the governorate of Was it to investigate respiratory syncytial virus subtypes. The objectives of the study were to estimate the frequency of respiratory syncytial virus in children <5 years old and to recognize some potential risk factors that might be associated with respiratory tract infections.Methodology: A cross sectional study with conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed on nasopharyngeal swabs from 158 pediatric patients. We compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients aged 15 days to 60 months hospitalised with RTIs or seen at private clinics (cases, n = 158) and control children (n = 40) with non-respiratory symptoms during the respiratory season of 2021-2022. Pearson's chi-square (x2) model was applied, and P < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: RSV nucleic acid was detected in 15 (9.49%) of the 158 clinical specimens after amplification of the F gene. The identity of these amplified fragments was confirmed as human respiratory syncytial virus subtype B by sequencing. Except the clinical presentation there was no overall association between negative and positive cases while breast feeding and family history of the same condition when comparing the control and positive cases showed statistically significant.Conclusions: conventional PCR was successfully detected the subtype B of h RSV while it may not the appropriate PCR type for subtype A detecting or that the RSVB was the only subtype circulated in 2021-2022 winter.

Acute bronchiolitis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The autumn and winter bronchiolitis epidemics have virtually disappeared in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.Our objectives were characterised bronchiolitis during fourth quarter of 2020 and the role played by SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Prospective multi-centre study performed in Madrid (Spain) between October and December 2020 including all children admitted with acute bronchiolitis. Clinical data were collected and multiplex PCR for respiratory viruses were performed. Results: Thirty-three patients were hospitalised with bronchiolitis during the study period: 28 corresponded to rhinovirus (RV), 4 to SARS-CoV-2, and 1 had both types of infection. SAR-CoV-2 bronchiolitis were comparable to RV bronchiolitis except for a shorter hospital stay. A significant decrease in the admission rate for bronchiolitis was found and no RSV was isolated. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection rarely causes acute bronchiolitis and it is not associated with a severe clinical course. During COVID-19 pandemic period there was a marked decrease in bronchiolitis cases.

Introducción: La epidemia de bronquiolitis de otoño e invierno prácticamente desapareció durante el primer año de la pandemia de COVID-19.Nuestros objetivos eran caracterizar la bronquiolitis durante el cuarto trimestre de 2020 y determinar el papel desempeñado por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico prospectivo realizado en Madrid (España) entre los meses de octubre y diciembre de 2020, que incluyó a todos los niños ingresados con bronquiolitis aguda. Se recogieron los datos clínicos y se realizó una PCR múltiple para virus respiratorios. Resultados: Se hospitalizó a treinta y tres pacientes con bronquiolitis durante el periodo del estudio: 28 correspondieron a rinovirus, 4 a SARS-CoV-2 y uno presentaba ambos tipos de infección. Las bronquiolitis por SAR-CoV-2 fueron comparables a las bronquiolitis por rinovirus, salvo por una estancia hospitalaria más corta. Se detectó una reducción significativa en la tasa de ingresos por bronquiolitis y no se aisló VSR. Conclusión: Es raro que la infección por SARS-CoV-2 cause bronquiolitis aguda y no se asocia a una evolución clínica grave. Durante la pandemia de COVID-19 se produjo un descenso pronunciado de los casos de bronquiolitis.

Bronchiolitis obliterans and SARS-CoV-2: the beginning of an association.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric population usually mani-fests with mild symptoms;however, in patients with comorbidities, there may be a severe pulmonary compromise. We present the case of a 3-month-old patient with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with persistent respiratory symptoms up to 8 weeks after the initial infection, with a persistently positive PCR test, requiring several hospitalizations, supplemental oxygen, and even invasive mechanical ventilation. Clinical and radiological manifestations were found consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. An adequate clinical response was documented after starting first-line treatment for bronchiolitis obliterans with satisfactory evolution during follow-up to date, evidencing the importance of considering this association in clinical practice.Copyright © 2022, Sociedad Chilena de Infectologia. All rights reserved.

Epidemiology and Risk Factor Analysis of Children with Bronchiolitis Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia.

Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of hospitalization worldwide for children aged ≤2 years. Few studies have compared general ward and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of children with bronchiolitis admitted to the general ward with those admitted to the PICU. Children (≤6 years) previously diagnosed with bronchiolitis and admitted to the PICU or general ward at a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia between May 2016 and May 2021 were included. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to identify respiratory viruses. Of the 417 patients enrolled, 67 (16.06%) were admitted to the PICU. The PICU group was younger (median, 2 months; interquartile range [IQR], 1-5 months) vs. (6 months; IQR, 2.65-13.25 months). There was a dramatic reduction in bronchiolitis admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common causative virus was respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (54.9%). In the multivariate regression analysis, hypoxia, hyperinflation on X-ray, and non-RSV bronchiolitis were independently associated with PICU admission. However, a higher chronological age and cough were protective. Children with Down syndrome, immunodeficiency, or neuromuscular disorders, and intermediate preterm infants (29-33 weeks of gestation) are at a high risk of PICU admission (adjusted odds ratio: 2.4, 7.1, 2.9, and 2.9; p = 0.037, 0.046, 0.033, and 0.029, respectively). Bronchiolitis is still one of the leading causes of PICU admission. Particular attention should be paid to preventive measures, especially in the post-COVID-19 era, targeting high-risk groups.

Rhinovirus-A True Respiratory Threat or a Common Inconvenience of Childhood?

A decade-long neglect of rhinovirus as an important agent of disease in humans was primarily due to the fact that they were seen as less virulent and capable of causing only mild respiratory infections such as common cold. However, with an advent of molecular diagnostic methods, an increasing number of reports placed them among the pathogens found in the lower respiratory tract and recognized them as important risk factors for asthma-related pathology in childhood. As the spread of rhinovirus was not severely affected by the implementation of social distancing and other measures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, its putative pathogenic role has become even more evident in recent years. By concentrating on children as the most vulnerable group, in this narrative review we first present classification and main traits of rhinovirus, followed by epidemiology and clinical presentation, risk factors for severe forms of the disease, long-term complications and the pathogenesis of asthma, as well as a snapshot of treatment trials and studies. Recent evidence suggests that the rhinovirus is a significant contributor to respiratory illness in both high-risk and low-risk populations of children.

Fluid balance in critically ill children with lower respiratory tract viral infection: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence has associated positive fluid balance of critically ill patients with poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of daily fluid balances and their association with outcomes in critically ill children with lower respiratory tract viral infection. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was conducted, in children supported with high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation, or invasive ventilation. Median (interquartile range) daily fluid balances, cumulative fluid overload (FO) and peak FO variation, indexed as the % of admission body weight, over the first week of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit admission, and their association with the duration of respiratory support were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 94 patients with a median age of 6.9 (1.9-18) months, and a respiratory support duration of 4 (2-7) days, showed a median (interquartile range) daily fluid balance of 18 (4.5-19.5) ml/kg at day 1, which decreased up to day 3 to 5.9 (- 14 to 24.9) ml/kg and increased to 13 (- 11 to 29.9) ml/kg at day 7 (p = 0.001). Median cumulative FO% was 4.6 (- 0.8 to 11) and peak FO% was 5.7 (1.9-12.4). Daily fluid balances, once patients were stratified according to the respiratory support, were significantly lower in those requiring mechanical ventilation (p = 0.003). No correlation was found between all examined fluid balances and respiratory support duration or oxygen saturation, even after subgroup analysis of patients with invasive mechanical ventilation, or respiratory comorbidities, or bacterial coinfection, or of patients under 1 year old. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of children with bronchiolitis, fluid balance was not associated with duration of respiratory support or other parameters of pulmonary function.

Viral Identification Using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing Does Not Reduce Antibiotic Prescribing in Paediatric Intensive Care Units.

PCR tests for viral identification, performed on nasopharyngeal secretions, have experienced a major boom in the last few years. Their use is very frequent, but their indications are still not well defined, especially in Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU). These tests are used for the microbiological diagnosis of lower respiratory infections but can be used in other situations. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of viral identification on antibiotic therapy management. We conducted a single-centre retrospective study from 1 October 2017 to 31 December 2019. This study included all consecutive FilmArray® Respiratory Panel tests performed in patients hospitalised in a PICU. Patients were identified using the microbiology laboratory prospective database and data were extracted from the medical record. 544 tests corresponding to 408 patients were included. The main reasons for testing were pneumonia (34%) and bronchiolitis (24%). In 70% of cases, at least one virus was identified, with Human Rhinovirus (56%) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (28%) being the two predominant. Bacterial co-infection was present in 25% of cases. Viral identification was not associated with reduced antibiotic therapy. On multivariate analysis, antibiotic management was significantly associated with clinical gravity, CRP value or radiology findings regardless of virus identification. Viral identification has an epidemiological value, but antibiotic prescription relies on other factors.

Pediatric admissions due to respiratory diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the incidence of respiratory viral infections. Our aim was to assess changes in pediatric admissions due to respiratory diseases and associated respiratory viral infections. Method(s): This was a case control study. All children hospitalized with a respiratory disease from Jan. 2015 to Aug. 2021 to the pediatric departments were included. Cases consisted of children admitted between Mar. 2020 to Aug. 2021 (COVID-19 era) and controls between Jan. 2015 to Mar. 2020 (pre COVID-19 era). Diagnosis, length of stay, demographic data, and viral panel results were compared. Result(s): A total of 8774 patients were included, 7157 controls and 1617 cases. There was a significant decrease in respiratory admission rates during the COVID-19 era (17.4% vs 20.9% of all admission, p<0.001). Cases had decreased rates of admissions due to bronchiolitis (4.72% vs 6.3%, p<0.001) and pneumonia (4.87% vs 6.26%, p<0.001) but not asthma (3.84% vs 3.9%), wheezing illness (2.62% vs 2.38%), complicated pneumonia (2.0% vs 2.0%) or stridor (1.79% vs 1.72%). There was a significant decrease in the detection of a respiratory viral pathogen in cases vs controls (44% vs 52%, p<0.001). This was related to a significant decrease in the detection of RSV (27% vs. 37%, p<0.001) and influenza (0.3% vs 5%, p<0.001), but not other respiratory viruses. Conclusion(s): During the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in pediatric admissions due to bronchiolitis and pneumonia was observed and associated with a decreased prevalence of RSV and influenza. This may allow us to estimate the significance of preventive measures and vaccination programs for RSV and influenza on respiratory pediatric diseases.

Bronchiolitis 2021-2022: the other viruses revenge

Background: bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in young children and infants. Bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a virus. Typically, the peak time for bronchiolitis is during the winter months. During covid pandemic, the incidence of bronchiolitis had drastically decreased but this winter, cases of this airway inflammation increased and were more severe. Objective(s): to study the prevalence of bronchiolitis during the winter season and describe its epidemiology, clinical features and outcome. Method(s): retrospective study in a general pediatric ward from november 2021 till january 2022. Result(s): we collected 207 cases admitted for bronchiolitis, in compraison with 162 cases in 2020. Le The hospitalization peak was in november 2021 (36.7%). The sex ratio was 1.43. The mean age was 88 days, the younger than 3 months represented 69.5% of cases. A viral contat was noted in 84.5% of cases. The bronchiolitis was mild in 20.2% of cases, moderate in 57.9% of cases and severe in 21.7% of cases. RSV was isolated in 25 case, Influenza A in 20 cases, viral co-infection was noted in 14 cases while bacterial co-infection was observed in 25 patients. Oxygenotherapy was indicated in 64.7% of patients with a mean duration of 5.6 days. Twenty-two patients were transferred in ICU with the use of non-invasive ventilation in 14 cases and mecahnical ventilation in 13 cases. The mean hospital stay was about 6.7 days. Conclusion(s): although the decrease of the incidence of bronchiolitis during covid 19 pandemic, an important incerease in incidence and intensity of this airway pathology was noted after the 4th wave, explained by the loss of the collective immunity in the younger infants less than 3 months.