RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS-INFECTION IN CHILDREN WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA

  • 1 August 1988
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 82  (2) , 199-203
Abstract
Little is known about the risk of severe illness from respiratory syncytial virus infection in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A prospective study was done of the natural history of respiratory syncytial virus infection in 30 chileren 12 months of age and five had respiratory syncytial virus infection previously that had been confirmed by culture results. Hospitalizations were prolonged and complicated. Seven of 11 children were hospitalized for >1 week; four were admitted to the intensive care unit; four were treated with ribavirin aerosol, and two needed mechanical ventilation. There were no deaths. We conclude that respiratory syncytial virus infection is a major cause of acute respiratory deterioration and rehospitalization in young children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, particularly those with current or recent supplemental oxygen requirements.