Potentially fatal arrhythmia complicating endobronchial epinephrine for control of iatrogenic bleeding

Endobronchial Phenylephrine in Airway Bleeding During Bronchoscopy Does not Cause Hypertension: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Bleeding is a known complication during bronchoscopy, with increased incidence in patients undergoing a more invasive procedure. Phenylephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor that can control airway bleeding when applied topically and has been used as an alternative to epinephrine. The clinical effects of endobronchial phenylephrine on systemic vasoconstriction have not been clearly evaluated. Here, we compared the effects of endobronchial phenylephrine versus cold saline on systemic blood pressure.

METHODS

In all, 160 patients who underwent bronchoscopy and received either endobronchial phenylephrine or cold saline from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2022 were included in this retrospective observational study. Intra-procedural blood pressure absolute and percent changes were measured and compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

There were no observed statistical differences in blood pressure changes between groups. The median absolute change between the median and the maximum intra-procedural systolic blood pressure in the cold saline group was 29 mm Hg (IQR 19 to 41) compared with 31.8 mm Hg (IQR 18 to 45.5) in the phenylephrine group. The corresponding median percent changes in SBP were 33.6 % (IQR 18.8 to 39.4) and 28% (IQR 16.8 to 43.5) for the cold saline and phenylephrine groups, respectively. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure changes between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no significant differences in median intra-procedural systemic blood pressure changes comparing patients who received endobronchial cold saline to those receiving phenylephrine. Overall, this argues for the vascular and systemic safety of phenylephrine for airway bleeding as a reasonable alternative to epinephrine.

An overview on the principles of management of haemoptysis

Haemoptysis is a frequently encountered presentation in thoracic surgery practice. Most of the patients present with chronic haemoptysis while 5% of them will present with life-threatening acute haemoptysis. Emergency surgery used to be the first-line management in acute life-threatening haemoptysis which resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. With advancements in interventional procedures, most of these acute presentations are now being managed conservatively by interventionists. In a country like India with a high incidence of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases of the lungs, haemoptysis is even more common. While interventional procedures help to tide over the crisis and earn valuable time to stabilise a haemorrhaging patient, surgical resection is the definitive management most of the time. This review will endeavour to establish the definition, aetiology, emergency, and definitive management of a patient who presents with haemoptysis.

Prophylactic epinephrine attenuates severe bleeding in lung transplantation patients undergoing transbronchial lung biopsy: Results of the PROPHET randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Severe hemorrhage is an uncommon yet potentially life-threatening complication of transbronchial lung biopsy. Lung transplantation recipients undergo multiple bronchoscopies with biopsy and are considered to be at an increased risk for bleeding from transbronchial biopsy, independent of traditional risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endobronchial administration of prophylactic topical epinephrine in attenuating transbronchial biopsy-related hemorrhage in lung transplant recipients.

METHODS

The Prophylactic Epinephrine for the Prevention of Transbronchial Lung Biopsy-related Bleeding in Lung Transplant Recipients study was a 2-center, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants undergoing transbronchial lung biopsy were randomized to receive 1:10,000-diluted topical epinephrine vs saline placebo administered prophylactically into the target segmental airway. Bleeding was graded based on a clinical severity scale. The primary efficacy outcome was incidence of severe or very severe hemorrhage. The primary safety outcome was a composite of 3-hours all-cause mortality and an acute cardiovascular event.

RESULTS

A total of 66 lung transplantation recipients underwent 100 bronchoscopies during the study period. The primary outcome of severe or very severe hemorrhage occurred in 4 cases (8%) in the prophylactic epinephrine group and in 13 cases (24%) in the control group (p = 0.04). The composite primary safety outcome did not occur in any of the study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In lung transplantation recipients undergoing transbronchial lung biopsy, prophylactic administration of 1:10,000-diluted topical epinephrine into the target segmental airway before biopsy attenuates the incidence of significant endobronchial hemorrhage without conveying a significant cardiovascular risk. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03126968).

Proposed quality indicators and recommended standard reporting items in performance of EBUS bronchoscopy: An official World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology Expert Panel consensus statement

BACKGROUND

Since their introduction, both linear and radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) have become an integral component of the practice of Pulmonology and Thoracic Oncology. The quality of health care can be measured by comparing the performance of an individual or a health service with an ideal threshold or benchmark. The taskforce sought to evaluate quality indicators in EBUS bronchoscopy based on clinical relevance/importance and on the basis that observed significant variation in outcomes indicates potential for improvement in health care outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review informed the composition of a comprehensive list of candidate quality indicators in EBUS. A multiple-round modified Delphi consensus process was subsequently performed with the aim of reaching consensus over a final list of quality indicators and performance targets for these indicators. Standard reporting items were developed, with a strong preference for items where evidence demonstrates a relationship with quality indicator outcomes.

RESULTS

Twelve quality Indicators are proposed, with performance targets supported by evidence from the literature. Standardized reporting items for both radial and linear EBUS are recommended, with evidence supporting their utility in assessing procedural outcomes presented.

CONCLUSION

This statement is intended to provide a framework for individual proceduralists to assess the quality of EBUS they provide their patients through the identification of clinically relevant, feasible quality measures. Emphasis is placed on outcome measures, with a preference for consistent terminology to allow communication and benchmarking between centres.

Tranexamic Acid vs Adrenaline for Controlling Iatrogenic Bleeding During Flexible Bronchoscopy: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The most commonly used topical hemostatic agents during flexible bronchoscopy (FB) are cold saline and adrenaline. Data on use of other agents such as tranexamic acid (TXA) for this purpose are limited.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is TXA effective and safe in controlling iatrogenic bleeding during FB compared with adrenaline?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a cluster-randomized, double-blind, single-center trial in a tertiary teaching hospital. Patients were randomized in weekly clusters to receive up to three applications of TXA (100 mg, 2 mL) or adrenaline (0.2 mg, 2 mL, 1:10000) after hemostasis failure after three applications of cold saline (4 ° C, 5 mL). Crossover was allowed (for up to three further applications) before proceeding with other interventions. Bleeding severity was graded by the bronchoscopist using a visual analog scale (VAS; 1 = very mild, 10 = severe).

RESULTS

A total of 2,033 FBs were performed and 130 patients were randomized successfully to adrenaline (n = 65) or TXA (n = 65), whereas 12 patients had to be excluded for protocol violations (two patients from the adrenaline arm and 10 patients from TXA arm). Bleeding was stopped in 83.1% of patients (54/65) in both groups (P = 1). The severity of bleeding and number of applications needed for bleeding control were similar in both groups (adrenaline: mean VAS score, 4.9 ± 1.3 [n = 1.8 ± 0.8]; TXA: mean VAS score, 5.3 ± 1.4 [n = 1.8 ± 0.8]). Both adrenaline and TXA were more successful in controlling moderate bleeding (86.7% and 88.7%, respectively) than severe bleeding (40% and 58.3%, respectively; P = .008 and P = .012, respectively) and required more applications for severe bleeding (3.0 ± 0 and 2.4 ± 0.5, respectively) than moderate bleeding (1.7 ± 0.8 and 1.7 ± 0.8, respectively) control (P = .006 and P = .002, respectively). We observed no drug-related adverse events in either group.

INTERPRETATION

We found no significant difference between adrenaline and TXA for controlling noncatastrophic iatrogenic endobronchial bleeding after cold saline failure, adding to the body of evidence that TXA can be used safely and effectively during FB.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT04771923; URL: www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov.

Evaluation and Treatment of Massive Hemoptysis

Massive hemoptysis is appropriately defined as life-threatening hemoptysis that causes airway obstruction, respiratory failure, and/or hypotension. Patients with this condition die from asphyxiation, not hemorrhagic shock. Any patient who presents with life-threatening hemoptysis requires immediate treatment to secure the airway and stabilize hemodynamics. Early activation and coordinated response from a multidisciplinary team is critical. Once the airway is secure and appropriate resuscitation is initiated, priorities are to localize the source of the bleeding and gain hemorrhage control. Nonsurgical control of hemorrhage is superior to surgery in the acute situation.

The emergency department evaluation and management of massive hemoptysis

INTRODUCTION

Massive hemoptysis is a life-threatening emergency that requires rapid evaluation and management. Recognition of this deadly condition, knowledge of the initial resuscitation and diagnostic evaluation, and communication with consultants capable of definitive management are key to successful treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this narrative review is to provide an evidence-based review on the management of massive hemoptysis for the emergency clinician.

DISCUSSION

Rapid diagnosis and management of life-threatening hemoptysis is key to patient survival. The majority of cases arise from the bronchial arterial system, which is under systemic blood pressure. Initial management includes patient and airway stabilization, reversal of coagulopathy, and identification of the source of bleeding using computed tomography angiogram. Bronchial artery embolization with interventional radiology has become the mainstay of treatment; however, unstable patients may require advanced bronchoscopic procedures to treat or temporize while additional information and treatment can be directed at the underlying pathology.

CONCLUSION

Massive hemoptysis is a life-threatening condition that emergency clinicians must be prepared to manage. Emergency clinicians should focus their management on immediate resuscitation, airway preservation often including intubation and isolation of the non-bleeding lung, and coordination of definitive management with available consultants including interventional radiology, interventional pulmonology, and thoracic surgery.

Current state and future perspective of cardiovascular medicines derived from natural products

The contribution of natural products (NPs) to cardiovascular medicine has been extensively documented, and many have been used for centuries. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Over the past 40 years, approximately 50% of newly developed cardiovascular drugs were based on NPs, suggesting that NPs provide essential skeletal structures for the discovery of novel medicines. After a period of lower productivity since the 1990s, NPs have recently regained scientific and commercial attention, leveraging the wealth of knowledge provided by multi-omics, combinatorial biosynthesis, synthetic biology, integrative pharmacology, analytical and computational technologies. In addition, as a crucial part of complementary and alternative medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine has increasingly drawn attention as an important source of NPs for cardiovascular drug discovery. Given their structural diversity and biological activity NPs are one of the most valuable sources of drugs and drug leads. In this review, we briefly described the characteristics and classification of NPs in CVDs. Then, we provide an up to date summary on the therapeutic potential and the underlying mechanisms of action of NPs in CVDs, and the current view and future prospect of developing safer and more effective cardiovascular drugs based on NPs.

QA project: Hemodynamic safety of endobronchial administration of phenylephrine for control of airway bleeding by bronchoscopy

BACKGROUND

Phenylephrine has been administered endobronchially for airway bleeding during bronchoscopy as an alternative to epinephrine. Topical phenylephrine, often used in nasal surgery as a vasoconstrictor agent has been linked to cardiovascular morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety of bronchoscopic instillation of phenylephrine during bronchoscopy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who received endobronchial phenylephrine in our endoscopy suite. We compared the changes in blood pressure and heart rate before and after endobronchial phenylephrine administration. The safety of endobronchial phenylephrine was assessed with regards to the changes in hemodynamics and acute cardiovascular event, and 30-day mortality. Acute cardiovascular complications included acute coronary syndrome, aortic dissection, tachyarrhythmias, pulmonary edema and stroke.

RESULTS

We identified 30 patients who received endobronchial phenylephrine 100mcg/ml with a mean total volume of 6.5 ± 10.6 ml. They were given mainly for balloon dilation and cryobiopsy procedure (96.7%). On excluding patients who received concurrent IV pressor, there was a statistically significant increase of mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 12 ± 21 mmHg, p = 0.01 within 30 min of endobronchial phenylephrine compared to procedure day MAP baseline. There was 27% of patients with more than 20% increase in their MAP but none of the patients had MAP more than 140 nor the occurrence of acute cardiovascular event. There was no significant change in the patients' heart rate following endobronchial phenylephrine.

CONCLUSION

In our review, endobronchial phenylephrine with dose comparable to IV administration can cause significant raise in MAP but their absolute levels did not go beyond 180/120 mmHg nor resulted in acute cardiovascular complications.

Massive pulmonary haemorrhage due to severe trauma treated with repeated alveolar lavage combined with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A case report

BACKGROUND

Massive pulmonary haemorrhage can spoil the entire lung and block the airway in a short period of time due to severe bleeding, which quickly leads to death. Alveolar lavage is an effective method for haemostasis and airway maintenance. However, patients often cannot tolerate alveolar lavage due to severe hypoxia. We used extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to overcome this limitation in a patient with massive pulmonary haemorrhage due to severe trauma and succeeded in saving the life by repeated alveolar lavage.

CASE SUMMARY

A 22-year-old man sustained multiple injuries in a motor vehicle accident and was transferred to our emergency department. On admission, he had a slight cough and a small amount of bloody sputum; computed tomography revealed multiple fractures and mild pulmonary contusion. At 37 h after admission, he developed severe chest tightness, chest pain, dizziness and haemoptysis. His oxygen saturation was 68%. Emergency endotracheal intubation was performed, and a large amount of bloody sputum was suctioned. After transfer to the intensive care unit, he developed refractory hypoxemia and heparin-free venovenous ECMO was initiated. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed diffuse and profuse blood in all bronchopulmonary segment. Bleeding was observed in the trachea and right bronchus, and repeated alveolar lavage was performed. On day 3, the patient’s haemoptysis ceased, and ECMO support was terminated 10 d later. Tracheostomy was performed on day 15, and the patient was weaned from the ventilator on day 21.

CONCLUSION

Alveolar lavage combined with ECMO can control bleeding in trauma-induced massive pulmonary haemorrhage, is safe and can be performed bedside.

Guidelines for diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy in adults: Joint Indian Chest Society/National College of chest physicians (I)/Indian association for bronchology recommendations

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is commonly performed by respiratory physicians for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. However, bronchoscopy practices vary widely across India and worldwide. The three major respiratory organizations of the country supported a national-level expert group that formulated a comprehensive guideline document for FB based on a detailed appraisal of available evidence. These guidelines are an attempt to provide the bronchoscopist with the most scientifically sound as well as practical approach of bronchoscopy. It involved framing appropriate questions, review and critical appraisal of the relevant literature and reaching a recommendation by the expert groups. The guidelines cover major areas in basic bronchoscopy including (but not limited to), indications for procedure, patient preparation, various sampling procedures, bronchoscopy in the ICU setting, equipment care, and training issues. The target audience is respiratory physicians working in India and well as other parts of the world. It is hoped that this document would serve as a complete reference guide for all pulmonary physicians performing or desiring to learn the technique of flexible bronchoscopy.

Prophylactic epinephrine for the prevention of transbronchial lung biopsy-related bleeding in lung transplant recipients (PROPHET) study: a protocol for a multicentre randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is frequently performed in single-lung and double-lung transplant recipients for evaluation of clinical and radiological findings as well as routine surveillance for acute cellular rejection. While rates of clinically significant TBLB-related haemorrhage are <1% for all comers, the incidence in lung transplant recipients is reported to be higher, presumably due to persistent allograft inflammation and alterations in allograft blood flow. While routinely performed by some bronchoscopists, the efficacy and safety profile of prophylactic administration of topical intrabronchial diluted epinephrine for the prevention of TBLB-related haemorrhage has not been explored in a prospective manner.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial (PROPHET Study), single-lung and double-lung transplant adult recipients from participating institutions who are scheduled for bronchoscopy with TBLB for clinical indications will be identified. Potential participants who meet inclusion and exclusion criteria and sign an informed consent will be randomised to receive either diluted epinephrine or placebo prior to performance of TBLB. The degree of TBLB-related haemorrhage will be graded by the performing bronchoscopist as well as independent observers. The primary analysis will compare the rates of severe and very severe bleeding in participants treated with epinephrine or placebo. The study will also evaluate the safety profile of prophylactic topical epinephrine including the occurrence of serious cardiovascular and haemodynamic adverse events. Additional secondary outcomes to be explored include rates of non-severe TBLB-related haemorrhage, overall yield of the bronchoscopic procedure and non-serious cardiovascular and haemodynamic adverse effects.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study procedures were reviewed and approved by institutional review boards in participating institutions. This study is being externally monitored, and a data and safety monitoring committee has been assembled to monitor patient safety and to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at relevant academic conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03126968; Pre-results.

Novel Bronchoscopic Management of Airway Bleeding With Absorbable Gelatin and Thrombin Slurry

BACKGROUND

Airway bleeding, either spontaneous or as a result of bronchoscopy, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Multiple bronchoscopic techniques are available to achieve complete hemostasis or as a bridge to definitive therapies.

METHODS

We report our experience on the feasibility of endobronchial instillation of an absorbable gelatin and thrombin slurry (GTS) for the treatment of spontaneous hemoptysis and procedure-related bleeding.

RESULTS

We identified 13 cases in which GTS was used for endobronchial hemostasis when standard bronchoscopic measures like cold saline, epinephrine, and in some cases balloon occlusion were not successful. GTS was delivered through the working channel of the bronchoscope in 10 cases and through the distal port of a bronchial blocker in the remaining 3 cases. Median age was 69 years (range, 52 to 79 y). Eight cases corresponded to spontaneous hemoptysis and 5 cases to diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Bleeding was considered severe in 9 (70%) cases. All but 1 case were associated with malignancy. Hemostasis was achieved in 10 (77%) cases by using standard measures in addition to GTS. No patient adverse events at 30 days or damage to the equipment were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchoscopic instillation of an absorbable GTS is feasible and may be used in cases of spontaneous or procedure-related bleeding in addition to conventional measures. It can be delivered through the working channel of the bronchoscope or through the distal port available in some bronchial blockers. Controlled studies are necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of this novel technique.

A systematic approach to the management of massive hemoptysis

Massive hemoptysis is regarded as a potentially lethal condition that requires immediate attention, and prompt action. Although minor hemoptysis is frequently encountered by most clinicians, massive hemoptysis in far less frequent and most physicians are not prepared to manage this time-sensitive clinical presentation in a systematic and timely fashion. Critical initial steps in management need to be implemented in an expedited fashion, such that patients may have a chance at a more definitive treatment. In this article, we review the definition, vascular anatomy, etiology, diagnostic evaluation, epidemiology and prognostic markers of massive hemoptysis. A systematic approach to management, stabilization and treatment options is followed. An algorithm is proposed for the management of massive hemoptysis and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized.

Iatrogenic bleeding during flexible bronchoscopy: risk factors, prophylactic measures and management

Significant iatrogenic bleeding during flexible bronchoscopy is fortunately rare and usually self-limiting. Life-threatening bleeding, however, can occur, especially after conventional or cryoprobe-assisted transbronchial biopsy. The aim of this review is to provide the practising pulmonologist with a concise overview of the incidence, severity and risk factors for bleeding, to provide sensible advice on prophylactic measures and to suggest a plan of action in the case of significant bleeding. Bronchoscopy units should have a standardised approach and plan of action in the case of life-threatening haemorrhage. Wedging the bronchoscope in the bleeding segment, turning the patient in an anti-Trendelenburg position and onto the side in order for the bleeding lung to be in the dependent position, installing vasoconstrictors and using a tamponade balloon early are the recommended first-line strategies. Involving a resuscitation team should be considered early in the case of massive bleeding, desaturation and haemodynamic instability.

Iatrogenic bleeding during flexible bronchoscopyhttp://ow.ly/w9Fy30bsoe5

Safety and Efficacy of Radial EBUS for the Investigation of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions in Patients With Advanced COPD

BACKGROUND

Peripheral pulmonary lesion (PPL) is a common scenario in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and represents a high risk of malignancy. Severe COPD is associated with higher complication rates following percutaneous biopsy, and routine bronchoscopy. Safety and diagnostic performance of radial endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy (R-EBUS) in patients with advanced COPD has not been previously assessed.

METHODS

We examined a retrospective cohort of patients with advanced COPD undergoing R-EBUS for the evaluation of PPL.

RESULTS

During the study period, 92 patients underwent 94 R-EBUS procedures. In 50 cases, patients had severe obstructive deficit with mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 1.01±0.28 L, and FEV1% predicted 39.7±8.2. In 44 cases, patients had mild-moderate obstruction with severe diffusion impairment, with mean diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide% predicted of 41.2±7.9. Pneumothorax requiring intercostal catheter insertion occurred in 2 patients (2.1%). In 10 cases (10.6%; 95% confidence interval, 4.4%-16.8%) patients experienced acute respiratory failure. Diagnostic yield was 63% (59/94) and overall sensitivity for primary lung malignancy was 70% (53/76). Nine patients had a diagnosis on R-EBUS obviating lung resection.

CONCLUSION

R-EBUS is safe and accurate for the investigation of PPL in patients with advanced COPD.

Bronchoscopic intratumoral injection of tranexamic acid to prevent excessive bleeding during multiple forceps biopsies of lesions with a high risk of bleeding: a prospective case series

BACKGROUND

Significant bleeding may occur following endobronchial forceps biopsy or brushing of necrotic or hypervascular tumors in the airways. In some cases, methods such as endobronchial instillation of iced saline lavage and epinephrine may fail to control bleeding. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new bronchoscopic technique using intratumoral injection of tranexamic acid (IIT) for control of bleeding during forceps biopsy in patients with endobronchial tumors with a high risk of bleeding.

METHODS

The study was a prospective case series carried out in a single center. Bronchoscopic IIT was performed in those patients who had endoscopically visible tumoral lesions with persistent active bleeding following the first attempt at bronchoscopic sampling. Tranexamic acid (TEA) was injected through a 22-gauge Wang cytology needle into the lesion in nominal doses of 250-500 mg. After 2-3 minutes, multiple forceps biopsy specimens were obtained from the lesion.

RESULTS

Of the 57 consecutive patients included in the study, 20 patients (35.1%) underwent bronchoscopic IIT. The first attempt in 18 patients was endobronchial forceps biopsy (EBB), and because of a high risk of bleeding, the first attempt for the remaining two patients, who were on continuous dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel), employed endobronchial needle aspiration (EBNA) as a precautionary measure. Following IIT, subsequent specimens were obtained using EBB in all patients. Multiple forceps biopsy specimens (3-10) were obtained from the lesions (8 necrotic and 12 hypervascular) without incurring active bleeding. The following histopathologic diagnoses were made: squamous cell carcinoma (n = 14), adenocarcinoma (n = 2), small-cell lung cancer (n = 3), and malignant mesenchymal tumor (n = 1). No side effects of TEA were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchoscopic IIT is a useful and safe technique for controlling significant bleeding from a forceps biopsy procedure and can be considered as a pre-biopsy injection for lesions with a high risk of bleeding.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN23323895.

Human rhinovirus species C infection in young children with acute wheeze is associated with increased acute respiratory hospital admissions

RATIONALE

Human rhinovirus species C (HRV-C) is the most common cause of acute wheezing exacerbations in young children presenting to hospital, but its impact on subsequent respiratory illnesses has not been defined.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether acute wheezing exacerbations due to HRV-C are associated with increased hospital attendances due to acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs).

METHODS

Clinical information and nasal samples were collected prospectively from 197 children less than 5 years of age, presenting to hospital with an acute wheezing episode. Information on hospital attendances with an ARI before and after recruitment was subsequently obtained.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

HRV was the most common virus identified at recruitment (n = 135 [68.5%]). From the 120 (88.9%) samples that underwent typing, HRV-C was the most common HRV species identified, present in 81 (67.5%) samples. Children with an HRV-related wheezing illness had an increased risk of readmission with an ARI (relative risk, 3.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-10.17; P = 0.03) compared with those infected with any other virus. HRV-C, compared with any other virus, was associated with an increased risk of a respiratory hospital admission before (49.4% vs. 27.3%, respectively; P = 0.004) and within 12 months (34.6% vs. 17.0%; P = 0.01) of recruitment. Risk for subsequent ARI admissions was further increased in atopic subjects (relative risk, 6.82; 95% confidence interval, 2.16-21.55; P = 0.001). Admission risks were not increased for other HRV species.

CONCLUSIONS

HRV-C-related wheezing illnesses were associated with an increased risk of prior and subsequent hospital respiratory admissions. These associations are consistent with HRV-C causing recurrent severe wheezing illnesses in children who are more susceptible to ARIs.