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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

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


Authors

Michael Noble

Rabia Ali Khan

Brodie Walker

Emma Bennett

Nick Gent



Contributors

Brodie Faith Walker
Project Member

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

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