Can RSV-Associated Hospitalization in the First Year of Life be Predicted at Birth Among Infants Born at 32-35 Weeks Gestation?

Abstract

This retrospective cohort study examined risk factors associated with RSV-associated hospitalization (RSV-H) among infants born 32 to 35 weeks gestational age in Nova Scotia. Results were used to develop a clinical instrument (RSV-H scoring tool) that would discriminate between infants at high, moderate and low risk for RSV-H. Identifying the highest-risk infants, (using baseline information to predict RSV-H in the first year of life), would help target cost effective prophylaxis by Palivizumab (Pz), an expensive RSV-specific monoclonal antibody. Significant risk factors, determined by multivariate logistics, included infants born in December, January or February, passive household smoke exposure and household crowding. The scoring tool produced similar RSV-H post-test probabilities (3.1% pre-test probability) between risk groups (5.5% vs. 5.8%) and was unable to target highest risk infants. The tool could be used as an educational guideline for health professionals, outlining the importance of significant risk factors for RSV-H to parents and caregivers.