Clinical Profile and Short-Term Outcomes in Neonates with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: A Single-Center Study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical profile and outcomes in neonates hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. METHODS: Clinical features, respiratory support, pharmacological treatment, complications and outcomes of neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with RSV infection between January 2018 and March 2023 were recorded. Descriptive statistics were employed for analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-seven neonates with RSV infection were analyzed. The most common presenting features were cough (n = 29, 74.4%), refusal to feed (n = 29, 74.4%) and apnea (n = 7, 17.9%). 19 (48.7%) neonates were mechanically ventilated, 28 (71.8%) required non-invasive respiratory support and 13 (35.1%) required bronchodilator therapy. All neonates were discharged after a median (IQR) duration of 14 (9, 23.5) days. CONCLUSION: Neonates with RSV infection requiring hospitalization have considerable respiratory morbidity requiring prolonged respiratory support and pharmacological therapy.