ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Information is scarce regarding the economic burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in low-resource settings. This study aimed to estimate the cost per episode of hospital admissions due to RSV severe disease in Argentina. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study that collected information regarding 256 infants under 12 months of age with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) due to RSV in two public hospitals of Buenos Aires between 2014 and 2016. Information on healthcare resource use was collected from the patient's report and its associated costs were estimated based on the financial database and account records of the hospitals. We estimated the total cost per hospitalization due to RSV using the health system perspective. The costs were estimated in US dollars as of December 2022 (1 US dollar = 170 Argentine pesos). RESULTS: The mean costs per RSV hospitalization in infants was US$587.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] $535.24 - $640.33). The mean costs associated with pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission more than doubled from those at regular pediatric wards ($1,556.81 [95% CI $512.21 - $2,601.40] versus $556.53 [95% CI $514.59 - $598.48]). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the direct economic impact of acute severe RSV infection on the public health system in Argentina. The estimates obtained from this study could be used to inform cost-effectiveness analyses of new preventive RSV interventions being developed.
Subject(s)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections , Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human , Respiratory Tract Infections , Infant , Humans , Child , Prospective Studies , Argentina/epidemiology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/epidemiology , Hospitalization , Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology , Cost of IllnessABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Efforts to better understand the risk factors associated with respiratory failure (RF) and fatal lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in premature children in developing countries are necessary to elaborate evidenced-based preventive interventions. We aim to characterize the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) LRTI in premature children and determine risk factors for RF and fatal illness in a vulnerable population. METHODS: This is a prospective, population-based, cross-sectional study. Subjects with severe LRTI were enrolled during respiratory season. Risk factors for RF and death in premature infants were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 664 premature children participated. Infant's hospitalization rate due to LRTI was 82.6/1000 (95% confidence interval [CI], 68.6-96.7/1000). Infant's RSV and hMPV rates were 40.9/1000 (95% CI, 36.3-45.6/1000) and 6.6/1000 (95% CI, 3.9-9.2/1000), respectively. The RF rate was 8.2/1000 (95% CI, 4.9-11.5/1000). The LRTI mortality was 2.2/1000 (95% CI, 0.7-3.7/1000); for RSV, the rate was 0.8/1000 (95% CI, 0-1.7/1000) with a case-fatality ratio of 1.8%. Never breastfeeding, malnutrition, younger than 6 months, congenital heart disease, and lower hematocrit were risk factors for RF. Experiencing pneumonia, pneumothorax, sepsis, or apnea were clinical determinants of poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Premature children under 2 years old in vulnerable environments experience RF and death more often than term counterparts. Modifiable risk factors associated with poor outcomes should prompt evidence-based interventions.
Subject(s)
Metapneumovirus/isolation & purification , Paramyxoviridae Infections/diagnosis , Respiratory Insufficiency/etiology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/diagnosis , Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/isolation & purification , Respiratory Tract Infections/virology , Argentina/epidemiology , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Hospitalization , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Premature , Male , Metapneumovirus/genetics , Paramyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Paramyxoviridae Infections/virology , Prospective Studies , Respiratory Insufficiency/mortality , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/epidemiology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/virology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/genetics , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
INTRODUCCIÓN: El virus sincitial respiratorio (VSR) es el agente viral más frecuente de infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas (IRAB) en la primera infancia y el mayor responsable de las hospitalizaciones en el período invernal. OBJETIVOS: Describir las características de los brotes de VSR en la Zona Sanitaria VI de la provincia de Buenos Aires, establecer la diversidad de las cepas circulantes y realizar el análisis bioinformático y filogeográfico de las secuencias de la glicoproteína G. MÉTODOS: Se estudió a pacientes pediátricos internados con presentación compatible con IRAB durante dos picos epidémicos (2014-2015) en cuatro hospitales. Se recopilaron datos clínicos, demográficos y socio-sanitarios, y se detectaron patógenos virales en aspirados nasofaríngeos de estos pacientes por inmunofluorescencia (IF), obteniéndose la secuencia del gen de la proteína G en los VSR positivos. RESULTADOS: De 1296 casos estudiados, 317 fueron positivos para algún agente viral. De ellos, 266 (84%) fueron VSR positivos. Se hallaron asociaciones significativas entre las poblaciones positivas y negativas para VSR. Una tendencia al hacinamiento y vivienda precaria en los casos VSR positivos fue reflejada en los estudios filogeográficos. CONCLUSIONES: Los datos de firma molecular permitieron trazar orígenes y vías de diseminación del VSR. Esto ayuda a señalar zonas y situaciones de vulnerabilidad, estableciendo la población primaria blanco de planes de vacunación u otras medidas profilácticas.
INTRODUCTION: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most frequent viral agent associated to acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) in early childhood, being the main responsible for hospitalizations during winter. OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of RSV outbreaks in the Health Area VI of Buenos Aires Province, to establish the diversity of circulating strains and to perform a bioinformatic and phylogeographic analysis of glycoprotein G sequences. METHODS: Pediatric inpatients with ALRI-compatible x|presentation during two epidemic peaks (2014-2015) were studied in four hospitals. Clinical, demographic and socio-sanitary data were collected, viral pathogens were detected by immunofluorescence (IF), and the sequence of the G protein gene was obtained in the positive RSVs. RESULTS: From 1296 cases, 317 were positive for some viral agent and 266 (84%) out of these were RSV positive. Significant associations were found among the positive and negative populations for RSV. A trend towards overcrowding and precarious housing in positive RSV cases was reflected in phylogeographic studies. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular signature data allowed tracing origins and routes of RSV dissemination. This helps identify areas and situations of vulnerability, establishing the primary target population for vaccination plans or other prophylactic measures.
Subject(s)
Genotype , Molecular Epidemiology , Respiratory Syncytial Viruses , Respiratory Tract InfectionsABSTRACT
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main viral cause of hospitalization due to acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants worldwide. Several vaccines against RSV are under research and development, which are about to be approved. We evaluated transmission patterns in different settings to determine age-specific vaccination targets from a viral perspective. We sequenced the G glycoprotein's ectodomain of a constant clinical sampling between two epidemic outbreaks in a limited geographical region and performed phylogeographic analyses. We described a spatio-temporal transmission between local strains, which were originated in the center of the analyzed area and then spread to others. Interestingly, that central area reported the highest population density of the region and also showed overcrowding. This information should be considered by public health systems to evaluate vaccination at all ages in those areas to decrease viral transmission and in lower density populations only susceptible children should be vaccinated.
Subject(s)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/transmission , Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/physiology , Adolescent , Argentina/epidemiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Disease Outbreaks , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/epidemiology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/virology , Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/geneticsABSTRACT
RATIONALE: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most frequent cause of hospitalization and an important cause of death in infants in the developing world. The relative contribution of social, biologic, and clinical risk factors to RSV mortality in low-income regions is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine the burden and risk factors for mortality due to RSV in a low-income population of 84,840 infants. METHODS: This was a prospective, population-based, cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted between 2011 and 2013. Hospitalizations and deaths due to severe lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) were recorded during the RSV season. All-cause hospital deaths and community deaths were monitored. Risk factors for respiratory failure (RF) and mortality due to RSV were assessed using a hierarchical, logistic regression model. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 2,588 (65.5%) infants with severe LRTI were infected with RSV. A total of 157 infants (148 postneonatal) experienced RF or died with RSV. RSV LRTI accounted for 57% fatal LRTI tested for the virus. A diagnosis of sepsis (odds ratio [OR], 17.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 13.14-21.16 for RF) (OR, 119.39; 95% CI, 50.98-273.34 for death) and pneumothorax (OR, 17.15; 95% CI, 13.07-21.01 for RF) (OR, 65.49; 95% CI, 28.90-139.17 for death) were the main determinants of poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: RSV was the most frequent cause of mortality in low-income postneonatal infants. RF and death due to RSV LRTI, almost exclusively associated with prematurity and cardiopulmonary diseases in industrialized countries, primarily affect term infants in a developing world environment. Poor outcomes at hospitals are frequent and associated with the cooccurrence of bacterial sepsis and clinically significant pneumothoraxes.
Subject(s)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/mortality , Respiratory Syncytial Viruses , Argentina/epidemiology , Cost of Illness , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Infant , Logistic Models , Male , Pneumothorax/etiology , Pneumothorax/mortality , Prospective Studies , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/complications , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/diagnosis , Risk Factors , Sepsis/etiology , Sepsis/mortality , Sex Factors , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
Stroke in childhood is considered rare. It may be ischemic or hemorrhagic. Its presentation is often acute and it is a leading cause of mortality in pediatrics. The aim of our work is to present the general features of stroke of 18 patients under 15 years of age admitted to the Hospital El Cruce, between July 2009 and June 2014, and their clinical outcome a year later. We observed a predominance of male patients and the median age of 5 years. The main clinical features were hemiparesis, seizures, headache and vomiting and sensory impairment. The most frequent type was ischemic and the middle cerebral artery territory was the most commonly involved. Twelve patients had no sequelae. The signs and symptoms were guiding stroke, neuroimaging studies were essential for diagnosis and patients evolved favorably with low number of recurrence and death.
La enfermedad cerebrovascular en la infancia es poco frecuente. Su presentación es aguda y constituye una de las 10 causas de mortalidad en pediatría. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es presentar las características de la enfermedad de 18 pacientes menores de 15 años ingresados en el Hospital El Cruce entre julio de 2009 y junio de 2014, y su evolución clínica al año del evento. Observamos un predominio de sexo masculino y una mediana de edad de 5 años. La forma de presentación en orden de frecuencia fue hemiparesia, convulsiones, cefalea y vómitos, y deterioro del sensorio. La forma isquémica fue la más frecuente y el territorio más afectado fue el de la arteria cerebral media. Doce pacientes no presentaron secuelas. Los signos y síntomas fueron orientadores de enfermedad cerebrovascular; los estudios de neuroimágenes, esenciales para su diagnóstico; y los pacientes evolucionaron favorablemente con bajo número de recurrencia y fallecidos.
Subject(s)
Stroke/diagnosis , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
La enfermedad cerebrovascular en la infancia es poco frecuente. Su presentación es aguda y constituye una de las 10 causas de mortalidad en pediatría. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es presentar las características de la enfermedad de 18 pacientes menores de 15 años ingresados en el Hospital El Cruce entre julio de 2009 y junio de 2014, y su evolución clínica al año del evento. Observamos un predominio de sexo masculino y una mediana de edad de 5 años. La forma de presentación en orden de frecuencia fue hemiparesia, convulsiones, cefalea y vómitos, y deterioro del sensorio. La forma isquémica fue la más frecuente y el territorio más afectado fue el de la arteria cerebral media. Doce pacientes no presentaron secuelas. Los signos y síntomas fueron orientadores de enfermedad cerebrovascular; los estudios de neuroimágenes, esenciales para su diagnóstico; y los pacientes evolucionaron favorablemente con bajo número de recurrencia y fallecidos.
Stroke in childhood is considered rare. It may be ischemic or hemorrhagic. Its presentation is often acute and it is a leading cause of mortality in pediatrics. The aim of our work is to present the general features of stroke of 18 patients under 15 years of age admitted to the Hospital El Cruce, between July 2009 and June 2014, and their clinical outcome a year later. We observed a predominance of male patients and the median age of 5 years. The main clinical features were hemiparesis, seizures, headache and vomiting and sensory impairment. The most frequent type was ischemic and the middle cerebral artery territory was the most commonly involved. Twelve patients had no sequelae. The signs and symptoms were guiding stroke, neuroimaging studies were essential for diagnosis and patients evolved favorably with low number of recurrence and death.
Subject(s)
Humans , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Paresis , Seizures , Risk Factors , Stroke/diagnosisABSTRACT
RATIONALE: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of hospitalization and death in infants worldwide. Most RSV deaths occur in developing countries, where burden and risk factors for life-threatening illness are unclear. OBJECTIVES: We defined the burden of life-threatening (O(2) saturation [O(2) sat] ≤ 87%) and fatal RSV infection, and characterized risk factors for life-threatening disease in hospitalized children. Special emphasis was placed on studying the impact of dietary habits during pregnancy. We hypothesized that dietary preferences, differing from those of our remote ancestors, would negatively impact children's pulmonary health. For instance, a diet rich in carbohydrates is a signature of recent millennia and typical of low-income populations, heavily burdened by life-threatening RSV disease. METHODS: Prospective study in a catchment population of 56,560 children under 2 years of age during the RSV season in Argentina. All children with respiratory signs and O(2) sat less than 93% on admission were included. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among 1,293 children with respiratory infections, 797(61.6%) were infected with RSV: 106 of these had life-threatening disease; 1.9 per 1,000 children (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-2.2/1,000) under 24 months. A total of 22 hospitalized children died (9 RSV(+)), 26 died at home due to acute respiratory infection (14 attributed to RSV); all were under 12 months old. The annual attributable mortality rate for RSV was 0.7 per 1,000 infants (95% CI, 0.4-1.1/1,000). Life-threatening disease was dose-dependently associated with carbohydrate ingestion during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio from 3.29 [95% CI, 1.15-9.44] to 7.36 [95% CI, 2.41-22.5] versus the lowest quartile). CONCLUSIONS: Life-threatening and fatal RSV infections are a heavy burden on infants in the developing world. Diets rich in carbohydrates during pregnancy are associated with these severe outcomes.
