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Pediatric hospitalizations for respiratory infections: Before and after SARS-CoV-2
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Introduction: With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, several non-pharmacological measures were adopted to prevent and control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Objective: To compare pediatric hospitalizations for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) before and after the emergence of SARS-CoV-2.
Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study of admissions for ARIs in the pediatric ward of a tertiary hospital between April 2018 and March 2021. Inclusion criteria comprised: hospitalization of pediatric patients ([0-17[ years); length of stay >24 hours; and a respiratory infection diagnosis code from ICD-10. Data were collected using electronic clinical records. The first two years were considered ‘non-COVID-19 years’ (year[Y]1 and Y2), while the period between April 2020 and March 2021 was considered the ‘COVID-19 year’ (Y3).
Results: A total of 783 hospitalizations were included in the analysis. There was a significant decrease in ARIs admissions in Y3 compared to Y1 and 2 (-67% from Y2 to Y3; p<0.001), with a decrease in the proportion of bronchiolitis cases (-42% from Y2 to Y3; p<0.001) and an increase in pneumonia cases (+124% from Y2 to Y3; p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in the incidence of respiratory viruses from Y2 to Y3 (76.6% vs. 56.4%; p<0.001), mainly driven by a decrease in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; 46.8% in Y2 vs. 2.0% in Y3; p<0.001). Conversely, there was a significant increase in the incidence of rhinovirus from Y2 to Y3 (15.3% vs. 22.8%; p<0.001), and SARS-CoV-2 was identified in 31.7% of cases in Y3. More chest computed tomography scans were performed (5.6% vs. 10.9%; p<0.001) and more systemic steroids were used (26.3% vs. 40.6%; p=0.023) from Y2 to Y3.
Conclusions: Population-based non-pharmacological measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with a reduction in pediatric hospitalizations for ARIs. The decrease in ARIs due to RSV is particularly noteworthy in this pandemic context.
Description
Keywords
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Monteiro S, Salazar L, Oliveira J, Souto M, Morais L, Ramos A, et al. Pediatric hospitalizations for respiratory infections: Before and after SARS-CoV-2. BGMJ [Internet]. 2024 Oct. 22 [cited 2025 Nov. 20];33(3):170-8. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/bgmj/article/view/33876
Publisher
Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António