Article

Family history of atopy and clinical course of RSV infection in ambulatory and hospitalized infants.

University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
Pediatric Pulmonology (impact factor: 2.53). 10/2000; 30(4):302-6. pp.302-6
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can be severe in pediatric patients. Risk factors for severe disease include age less than 6 months, prematurity, preexisting heart or lung disease or malformations, gastroesophageal reflux, and immunodeficiency. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of family history of allergy on the clinical course of RSV infection in ambulatory and hospitalized infants. In a retrospective study, 172 patients younger than 12 months of age (99 inpatients and 73 outpatients) were enrolled. Information was obtained from hospital charts and from questionnaires sent to pediatricians. Inpatients had a significantly higher rate of atopy in their family history than outpatients, 62% and 29%, respectively (P < 0.001). Bronchiolitis was diagnosed more frequently in patients with an atopic burden than those without, 89% versus 74%, respectively (P < 0.02). Inpatients with an atopic family history had a significantly longer hospital stay than those without such a history, 7.4 +/- 3.7 days and 6.1 +/- 2.3 days, respectively (P < 0.04). Factors other than age that are considered a risk for severe infection with RSV (prematurity, preexisting heart or lung disease or malformation, and gastroesophageal reflux) were not confirmed in the present study. We conclude that infants with a family history of atopy are at increased risk for severe RSV infection as indicated by higher rates of hospitalization, longer hospital stay, and more frequent occurrence of bronchiolitis.

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Keywords

12 months
 
172 patients younger
 
6 months
 
73 outpatients
 
99 inpatients
 
atopic burden
 
atopic family history
 
clinical course
 
family history
 
higher rates
 
Inpatients
 
lung disease
 
outpatients
 
pediatric patients
 
preexisting heart
 
retrospective study
 
RSV infection
 
severe disease
 
severe infection
 
severe RSV infection