Incidence and Risk Factors of Rehospitalization with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Premature Infants

Lee, Eun Ah; Jeong, Jea Heon; Yu, Seung Taek; Lee, Chang Woo; Yoon, Hyang Suk; Park, Do Sim; Oh, Yeon Kyun

Abstract

PURPOSE
We performed this study to evaluate the risk of rehospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) infection among premature infants discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit(NICU).
METHODS
We performed a retrospective study for rehospitalization for RSV infection and risk factors among premature infants who were admitted to NICU and discharged between May 2001 and April 2003 in Wonkwang University Hospital. RSV detection was utilized by direct fluorescent antibody tests in nasopharyngeal aspirates. We also reviewed various risk factors including gestational age, birth weight, sex, ventilatory care, surfactant administration, chronic lung disease(CLD), siblings in school or kindergarten age, and month of discharge.
RESULTS
The rehospitalization rate for RSV infection was 6.6%(26/381) in premature infants and 22.2%(4/18) in premature infants with CLD. The most common season of rehospitalization for RSV infection was between November to January, this was 69.2%(18/26) in premature infants, the same as children: 61.2%(93/152). The risk factors for RSV rehospitalization among premature infants were CLD, siblings in school or kindergarten age and discharge between October to December from NICU.
CONCLUSION
The risk for RSV rehospitalization among premature infants from NICU was low. Preterm infants subject to risk factors of CLD, siblings in school or kindergarten age, and discharge between October to December from NICU, were most likely to require hospitalization for RSV disease. In CONCLUSION: Prophylaxis for RSV infection should be considered one month before discharge from NICU in the RSV season between October and December.