Increased RSV-A Bronchiolitis Severity in RSV-Infected Children Admitted to a Reference Center in Catalonia (Spain) Between 2014 and 2018

Between 2014 and 2018, we evaluated the severity of 687 cases of bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Catalonia, Spain. Compared to RSV-B, RSV-A cases required intensive care (adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 1.44, p < 0.01) and respiratory support (aRR = 1.07, p < 0.01) more often; hospital stay was one day longer (p < 0.01). Subgroup identification may aid clinical evaluation and seasonal healthcare planning. Respiratory syncytial virus A (RSV-A) bronchiolitis, compared with RSV-B, had greater severity at hospital admission, lengthier hospital and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) length of stay, more proportion of PICU admissions, and higher respiratory support requirements. Both groups had similar demographic characteristics and similar rates of prematurity and comorbidities.

Automated summary

We evaluated 687 cases of bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Catalonia, Spain between 2014 and 2018. RSV-A cases had greater severity at hospital admission, longer hospital stay, higher proportion of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions, and higher respiratory support requirements compared to RSV-B cases. Subgroup identification can be helpful for clinical evaluation and healthcare planning.