Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Children With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

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 children <2 years of age with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who were in a home oxygen program. Surveillance to identify children with acute respiratory symptoms was done by weekly telephone interview. Symptomatic children were examined, oxygen saturation was determined by oximetry, and nasopharyngeal lavage fluid was collected for virus cultures and rapid respiratory syncytial virus antigen tests. During the 4-month study period (December to April), 27 children had one or more acute respiratory illnesses, and respiratory syncytial virus developed in 16/27 (59%). Passive smoking and ≥four members in the home increased the risk of symptomatic respiratory syncytial virus (P < .01 and P < .03, respectively). Of 16 children, 11 (69%) required hospitalization. Of the 11 hospitalized children with respiratory syncytial virus, nine were either still receiving oxygen at home or required oxygen therapy within the previous 3 months v none of five nonhospitalized children (P < .005). Five of the hospitalized children were >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.