Evidence · Systematic review or meta-analysis
Changes in the global hospitalisation burden of respiratory syncytial virus in young children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic analysis.
- Bronchiolitis
- Infection and sepsis
- Infection prevention
- Mechanical ventilation
- Medical
- Nursing
- Respiratory
Summary
A systematic analysis of 61 studies and unpublished datasets from 19 countries examining RSV-associated acute lower respiratory infection hospitalisation in children under 5 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reports substantial falls in hospitalisation rates in 2020, with a rebound towards pre-pandemic levels by March 2022 in high-income countries but not in middle-income settings. Rates were highest in the youngest infants across all periods and income regions. The authors call for strengthened RSV surveillance, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries, which is relevant for PICU planning of seasonal bronchiolitis surge capacity.
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- Licence:
- Open (Creative Commons)
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