Epidemiological study of hospitalization associated with respiratory syncytial virus infection in Taiwanese children between 2004 and 2007.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalization in young children. The population-based burden of RSV hospitalization and the effect of potential risk factors on the severity of illness were evaluated in Taiwanese children.

METHODS

We analyzed the annual population-based incidence, underlying diseases and characteristics of hospitalizations due to RSV in Taiwanese children under 5 years of age from 2004 to 2007 by using Taiwan's National Health Insurance database.

RESULTS

A total of 11,081 children with RSV-associated hospitalization were studied. Average annual population-based hospitalization incidence was 1,077 and 232 per 100,000 children-year in children under 6 months and under 5 years of age, respectively. The peak incidence occurred between 1 and 2 months of age. The male-to-female incidence risk ratio was 1.4:1 (p < 0.001). There was a significant seasonal distribution with consistent peaks in the spring and autumn every year (p < 0.001). A total of 373 patients (3.3%) had repeated RSV infection. The 943 children (8.5%) with underlying diseases were older (p = 0.001), required longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays (p < 0.001), had a higher rate of endotracheal intubation (p < 0.05), and incurred higher medical costs (p < 0.001). A total of 888 patients (8%) required ICU care. Younger age (p < 0.001), prematurity (p < 0.001), cerebral palsy (p < 0.001) and congenital heart disease (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of requiring ICU care.

CONCLUSION

RSV infection occurs biennially with peaks in spring and fall in Taiwan. Patients with underlying diseases need longer hospital and ICU stays and incur higher medical costs. Younger age, prematurity, congenital heart disease and cerebral palsy are predictors of ICU care.