RSV Bronchiolitis in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

Authors : Abdulgani Gülyüz, Nazan Poyraz, Sıla Yaldiz Ataş, Emrullah Arıkanoğlu

Pages : 84-88

Doi:10.58651/jomtu.1827660

View : 45 | Download : 100

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of lower respiratory tract infections in childhood and contributes significantly to intensive care admissions, particularly among high-risk groups. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with RSV bronchiolitis over a one-year period and to identify factors associated with length of stay. Materyals and Methods: In this retrospective study, data from 257 children admitted to the PICU with respiratory tract infection between January 1 and December 31, 2024 were reviewed. Nasopharyngeal swab samples of all patients were evaluated using a commercial multiplex PCR panel capable of detecting multiple respiratory pathogens. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and PICU length of stay were recorded. Appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests were used for statistical comparisons, and independent predictors of length of stay were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The mean age of RSV-positive patients was 3.3 ± 2.1 years, and 59.1% were male. The comorbidity rate was 38.1%. Rhinovirus/enterovirus was the most common viral agent (36.6%), followed by RSV (31.5%). The mean PICU stay for RSV-positive patients was 6.8 ± 2.9 days, which was longer compared to the rhinovirus/enterovirus group. Multiple regression analysis identified age, CRP level, and the presence of comorbidity as independent predictors of longer length of stay (p < 0.05). RSV cases showed a marked increase during the winter months. Conclusions: RSV bronchiolitis continues to represent a significant clinical burden in pediatric intensive care practice. Early identification of factors associated with prolonged hospitalization is crucial for optimizing the management and monitoring of high-risk children. Seasonal clustering underscores the importance of appropriate resource planning and preventive strategies.
Keywords : RSV, bronchiolitis, pediatric intensive care, epidemiology, length of stay

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