EP294 - RSV BRONCHIOLITIS IN NEONATES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC (ID 1247)
Abstract
Backgrounds:
SARS-CoV-2 public health measures contributed to a significant shift in transmission of respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Aim of this study was to examine the epidemiology of RSV infections in neonates and compare clinical characteristics before and after coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID).
Methods
Cohort study of neonates aged less than 30 days admitted in hospital with PCR confirmed RSV bronchiolitis from January 2016 till December 2021. For RSV-positive admissions, demographics and clinical features were compared. Criteria for admission included respiratory distress, hypoxemia, poor feeding, or dehydration.
Results:
A total of 44 neonates were admitted with RSV bronchiolitis over a 6- year period (mean age 18,7days; range 9-30days). After a relative absence during COVID quarantine, we observed an increase in RSV bronchiolitis cases in 2021 and an unexpected early peak of RSV bronchiolitis admissions in September-October, 11-times higher than in previous years; [Period B: (2020-2021) vs Period A (2016-2019); OR 11 (1.21-99.2)]. Disease severity did not differ in terms of length of stay, need for mechanical or non-invasive ventilation during the two periods. No deaths occurred.
Conclusions/Learning Points:
Following the first wave of COVID, we observed a non-seasonal peak in RSV cases that could be attributed to the relaxation of the nonpharmaceutical interventions for the containment of SARS-CoV-2, as well as a significantly expanded cohort of RSV- naive siblings and parents due to the previous lockdown.
