Something Is Changing in Viral Infant Bronchiolitis Approach

Viral Codetection and Clinical Outcomes of Infants Hospitalized With Bronchiolitis: A Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The simultaneous identification of multiple respiratory viruses is common in infants hospitalized with respiratory tract infections. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the main pathogens in bronchiolitis, although codetection of rhinovirus, influenza and other respiratory viruses may occur in about one-third of cases. The relevance of viral codetection on disease severity is still controversial. This multicenter cohort study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of infants under 24 months hospitalized with bronchiolitis, comparing those testing positive for RSV alone, RSV plus another virus and ≥2 viruses distinct from RSV.

METHODS

Data were collected across 13 hospitals in Lombardy, Italy, both in the prepandemic and pandemic years. Random effect regression models were also employed to test the association between 3 groups (infants testing positive for RSV alone, RSV plus another respiratory virus and no RSV but ≥2 respiratory viruses other than RSV) and course of bronchiolitis, adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Among 1788 infants, 86.7% tested positive for RSV alone, 6.9% for RSV plus another virus and 6.3% for ≥2 other viruses. Significant differences were found in clinical outcomes: infants with multiple non-RSV viruses had shorter oxygen supplementation, intensive care and hospital stay compared with those with RSV alone. Notably, codetection of RSV and another virus was associated with a higher risk of radiologically confirmed pneumonia, whereas detection of ≥2 non-RSV viruses was inversely associated with pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings point out that codetection of viruses other than RSV is associated with milder disease courses than detection of RSV alone in infants with bronchiolitis. On the other hand, patients with RSV and another virus are at higher risk of pneumonia than infants affected by RSV alone. Further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize management strategies in infants with bronchiolitis testing positive for multiple viruses.

The association between COVID-19 vaccine/infection and new-onset asthma in children - based on the global TriNetX database

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of its potential long-term health effects, including its link to new-onset asthma in children. Asthma significantly impacts children's health, causing adverse outcomes and increased absenteeism. Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between COVID-19 infection and higher rates of new-onset asthma in adults, raising concerns about its impact on children's respiratory health.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study design was employed, using electronic medical records from the TriNetX database, covering January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. Two cohorts of children aged 5 to 18 who underwent SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing were analyzed: unvaccinated children with and without COVID-19 infection, and vaccinated children with and without infection. Propensity score matching was used to mitigate selection bias, and hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI were calculated to assess the risk of new-onset asthma.

RESULTS

Our study found a significantly higher incidence of new-onset asthma in COVID-19 infected children compared to uninfected children, regardless of vaccination status. In Cohort 1, 4.7% of COVID-19 infected children without vaccination developed new-onset asthma, versus 2.0% in their non-COVID-19 counterparts within a year (HR = 2.26; 95% CI = 2.158-2.367). For Cohort 2, COVID-19 infected children with vaccination showed an 8.3% incidence of new-onset asthma, higher than the 3.1% in those not infected (HR = 2.745; 95% CI = 2.521-2.99). Subgroup analyses further identified higher risks in males, children aged 5-12 years, and Black or African American children. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the reliability of these findings.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights a strong link between COVID-19 infection and an increased risk of new-onset asthma in children, which is even more marked in those vaccinated. This emphasizes the critical need for ongoing monitoring and customized healthcare strategies to mitigate the long-term respiratory impacts of COVID-19 in children, advocating for thorough strategies to manage and prevent asthma amidst the pandemic.

"Comparative analysis of predictors of failure for high-flow nasal cannula in bronchiolitis"

OBJECTIVE

To assess a comparative analysis of the ROX index, Wood-Downes-Ferrés score (WDF), p-ROXI, and the SpO2/FiO2 ratio as predictors of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) failure in children hospitalized for bronchiolitis.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the clinical trial "Comparison between HFNC and NIV in children with acute respiratory failure caused by bronchiolitis" conducted at a tertiary Brazilian hospital (Emergency Department and PICU). The inclusion criteria were children under 2 years of age admitted for bronchiolitis who developed mild to moderate respiratory distress and were eligible for HFNC therapy. Performance was determined by ROC and AUC metrics to define the best sensitivity and specificity for each variable. Children were evaluated at 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h after HFNC therapy initiation.

RESULTS

A total of 126 patients were recruited for this analysis. The median age was 3 months. Ninety-one percent of the patients had an identified viral agent, with RSV being the most common (65%). Twenty-three percent (29/126) of patients experienced failed HFNC therapy and required mechanical ventilation. The best cutoff points at 12 hours were 4.5 for WDF (AUC = 0.83, 0.74-0.92), 8.8 for ROX (AUC = 0.7, 0.54-0.84), 1.45 for p-ROXI (AUC = 0.56, 0.38-0-74), and 269 for SpO2/FiO2 (AUC = 0.64, 0.48-0.74). The scores and indices were also correlated with the PICU and hospital LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

The ROX index and WDF were the most accurate scores for assessing HFNC failure considering 12-hour cutoff points.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

U1111-1262-1740; RBR-104z966s. Date of registration: 03/01/2023.

"Comparison between high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in children with acute respiratory failure by bronchiolitis: a randomized controlled trial"

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to compare HFNC therapy to noninvasive ventilation (NIV/BiPAP) in children with bronchiolitis who developed respiratory failure. We hypothesized that HFNC therapy would not be inferior to NIV.

METHODS

This was a noninferiority open-label randomized single-center clinical trial conducted at a tertiary Brazilian hospital. Children under 2 years of age with no chronic conditions admitted for bronchiolitis that progressed to mild to moderate respiratory distress (Wood-Downes-Férres score < 8) were randomized to either the HFNC group or NIV (BiPAP) group through sealed envelopes. Vital signs, FiO2, Wood-Downes-Férres score and HFNC/NIV parameters were recorded up to 96 h after therapy initiation. Children who developed respiratory failure despite receiving initial therapy were intubated. Crossover was not allowed. The primary outcome analyzed was invasive mechanical ventilation requirement. The secondary outcomes were sedation usage, invasive mechanical ventilation duration, the PICU LOS, the hospital LOS, and mortality rate.

RESULTS

A total of 126 patients were allocated to the NIV group (132 randomized and 6 excluded), and 126 were allocated to the HFNC group (136 randomized and 10 excluded). The median age was 2.5 (1-6) months in the NIV group and 3 (2-7) months in the HFNC group (p = 0,07). RSV was the most common virus isolated in both groups (72% vs. 71.4%, NIV and HFNC, respectively). Thirty-seven patients were intubated in the NIV group and 29 were intubated in the HFNC group (29% vs. 23%, p = 0.25). According to the Farrington-Manning test, with a noninferiority margin of 15%, the difference was 6.3% in favor of HFNC therapy (95% confidence interval: -4.5 to 17.1%, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the PICU LOS or sedation duration. Sedation requirement, hospital LOS and invasive mechanical ventilation duration were lower in the HFNC group.

CONCLUSION

HFNC therapy is noninferior to NIV in infants admitted with mild to moderate respiratory distress caused by bronchiolitis that progresses to respiratory failure.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

U1111-1262-1740; RBR-104z966s. Registered 03/01/2023 (retrospectively registered). ReBEC: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-104z966s .

Clinical relevance of viral codetection in infants with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main cause of severe bronchiolitis, especially in infants. The aim of this study is to assess whether codetection of RSV and other respiratory viruses could affect the severity of this infection comparing with unique RSV detection.

METHODS

A prospective study from 2016 to 2019 including children under 2 years who were admitted in the Emergency Service of the Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida (Spain) was performed. Nasopharyngeal samples from all patients were sent to the laboratory for RSV real-time PCR detection (GeneXpert®). A multiplex PCR that detects other respiratory viruses was done in all RSV-positive samples. Patients'medical records were checked to collect clinical data (hospital length of stay, BROSJOD score, ICU admission, need for ventilatory support or transfer to a reference hospital). Patients were divided in two groups: infants with unique RSV detection and infants with viral codetection. Bivariant analyses were performed to analyze the data obtained.

RESULTS

During the period of study 437 RSV bronchiolitis were diagnosed. In 199 of them (177/437; 45,5%) another respiratory virus was detected concomitantly. Bivariant analyses do not show statistically significant differences between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Viral codetection in infants with RSV bronchiolitis is frequent. However, it does not seems to affect the severity of this infection.

Factors Associated with Inhaled Bronchodilator and Oral Corticosteroid Use in Young Children with First Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

OBJECTIVES

To examine factors associated with claims for and potential overuse of inhaled bronchodilators (IBs) and oral corticosteroids (OCSs) for children <2 years old at first lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using Colorado All Payer Claims data from 2009 through 2019. Children with asthma were excluded. Primary outcomes were 1) IB and 2) OCS claims within 7 days of index LRTI. Primary predictors were previous IB or OCS claims for each outcome respectively. Covariates included demographics, atopy, family history of asthma, complex chronic conditions, prior inhaled corticosteroid claim, and location of index LRTI. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were used for each outcome.

RESULTS

Of 10 194 eligible children, 1468 (14.4%) had an IB and 741 (7.3%) an OCS claim at or within 7 days of index LRTI. Index LRTIs were most often at outpatient visits (64%). Adjusting for covariates, prior IB prescription was associated with the IB outcome (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.3, 2.8), and prior OCS prescription was associated with the OCS outcome (AOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.7, 2.9). Other variables associated with either outcome included age, sex, insurance, location, and atopy. Prior inhaled corticosteroid claim, asthma family history, and complex chronic conditions were not associated with either outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies factors that might serve as opportunities for de-implementation strategies for IB and OCS overuse in young children with LRTI.

Evaluation of Bronchiolitis in the Pediatric Population in the United States of America and Canada: A Ten-Year Review

Bronchiolitis is a well-known viral infection among the pediatric population, significantly impacting hospitalization rates. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected respiratory viral infections, including bronchiolitis, as various mitigation measures were implemented. In this study, we analyzed bronchiolitis cases during the pandemic and post-pandemic period, aiming to identify changes in management guidelines and their incidence and management over the last 10 years. Moreover, we explored the relationship between bronchiolitis and COVID-19, a virus that gained rapid notoriety worldwide. By analyzing data from pediatric populations in Canada and the USA, we sought to understand the role of varying seasons in the peak periods of bronchiolitis infections. The comprehensive review's results will provide valuable insights into bronchiolitis dynamics within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is to better comprehend the interplay between bronchiolitis, COVID-19, and seasonal variations, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of this respiratory viral infection and informing future management strategies. Furthermore, these findings can assist healthcare professionals in preparing for and responding to potential fluctuations in bronchiolitis cases in the post-pandemic era.

Bronchiolitis 2021-2022 epidemic: multicentric analysis of the characteristics and treatment approach in 214 children from different areas in Italy

Bronchiolitis causes a remarkable number of hospitalizations; its epidemiology follows that of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), its main pathogen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presenting features, treatment approach, and impact of medical therapy in four pediatric hospitals in Italy. Data on infants < 24 months of age hospitalized with bronchiolitis in the 2021-2022 season were collected. Between October 2021 and February 2022, 214 children were admitted. Median hospital stay was 5 days; none of the patients died. The distribution of the presenting features is largely comparable in the 33 (15.8%) RSV-negative versus the 176 (84.2%) RSV-positive children; also, no difference was observed in medical therapy provided: duration of oxygen therapy, administration of steroid, and duration of hospital stay. Systemic steroids, inhalation, or antibiotic therapy were given to 34.6%, 79.4%, and 49.1% of children respectively. Of the 214 patients with bronchiolitis, only 19 (8.8%) were admitted to ICU.   Conclusion: Our data suggest that, irrespective of treatments provided, RSV-positive and RSV-negative children had a similar clinical course. The results of our retrospective study further underline the need to improve adherence to existing guidelines on bronchiolitis treatment. What is Known: • Bronchiolitis is a common diseases with seasonal peak. The outcome is usually favorable but hospitalization and even ICU admission is not exceptional. What is New: • Children with RSV associated bronchiolitis do not have a different course and outcome. The analysis of the 2021-2022 cohort, following COVID pandemic peaking, did not show a different course and outcome. • Adherence to literature recommendation, i.e. to focus on oxygen and hydration therapy while avoiding unnecessary systemic therapy with steroid and antibiotics, should be improved.