Respiratory syncytial virus-associated hospitalisation in children aged ≤5 years: a scoping review of literature from 2009 to 2021

Noble, Michael; Khan, Rabia Ali; Walker, Brodie; Bennett, Emma; Gent, Nick

Abstract

Introduction Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in many countries, a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalisations was reported, surpassing yearly trends pre-pandemic. The changes to RSV epidemiology may have unforeseen effects on healthcare systems and populations globally, adding to the burden generated during the pandemic and placing increased demand on resources. Here we aim to identify recent global trends of RSV hospitalisation amongst children aged ≤5 years, to help inform policy makers in the planning of preventative interventions. Methods We conducted a scoping review of published literature between January 2009 and May 2021. Using keywords “Hospital admissions, Respiratory syncytial virus, RSV, Bronchiolitis, Children” we located studies using Medline, EMCARE, CINAHL and HMIC. Studies were eligible if they reported on trends/data for RSV hospitalisation amongst children aged ≤5 years. The articles were reviewed by two independent reviewers. Findings We assessed 3310 abstracts, reviewed 70 studies and included 56 studies in the final review. Findings were categorised into themes. The review highlighted that, although RSV incidence has been steadily increasing since 2009, the number of reported RSV hospitalisations decreased during lockdown. The highest numbers of hospitalisations were reported in children <1 year of age, particularly 0–2-month-old infants. Globally, RSV hospitalisations tend to peak in the winter months; however, since COVID-19 restrictions have eased, countries are reporting incidence peaks at different times, in contrast to the trends of previous years. Conclusion With greater physical interactions due to the relaxation of COVID-19 restriction measures, RSV-related hospitalisations can be seen to increase amongst children aged ≤5 years, possibly surpassing the numbers reported in previous RSV seasons.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 22, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Apr 21, 2022
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Mar 2, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 2, 2023
• Journal: ERJ Open Research
• Electronic ISSN: 2312-0541
• Publisher: European Respiratory Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 00593-2021
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00593-2021
• Keywords: Pulmonary Medicine; Respiratory Medicine; Respiratory syncytial virus; RSV
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10487347
• Additional Information: Work produced within the Joint Modelling Team, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK