# Critical Case of a Preterm Infant Infected With Respiratory Syncytial Virus Managed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A preterm infant with severe RSV infection required intensive care but recovered fully without needing long-term oxygen or feeding support.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the successful management of severe RSV in a preterm infant using advanced respiratory interventions.

## Key findings

- The infant was successfully treated with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide.
- The infant was discharged without requiring home oxygen therapy or tube feeding.
- The case demonstrates the effectiveness of intensive care interventions in managing severe RSV in preterm infants.

## Abstract

We describe a critical case of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in a preterm infant resulting in respiratory failure with advanced respiratory interventions and discharge from our hospital without the requirement for home oxygen therapy or tube feeding. The infant, delivered at 35 weeks gestation due to a premature rupture of the membranes with a birth weight of 2 kg, initially demonstrated a stable postnatal course. The baby required no resuscitation, with Apgar scores of 8 and 9 at one and five minutes, respectively. The infant was discharged in good condition after four days of hospitalization. This report presents a critical case of RSV infection in a preterm infant requiring intensive care. The infant, born at 35 weeks gestation, initially appeared healthy but developed severe symptoms at 22 days old. The emergency evaluation revealed significant respiratory distress and confirmed RSV pneumonia. Following extensive interventions, including mechanical ventilation to manage severe symptoms, along with complications such as pneumothorax and a cardiac arrest episode, the infant exhibited a positive response to subsequent treatments. The infant responded positively to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide. Gradual weaning from advanced ventilation led to successful extubation, followed by recovery with high-flow nasal cannula therapy. The case highlights the challenges of managing severe RSV infections in preterm infants and the efficacy of intensive care interventions in facilitating the infant's remarkable recovery and discharge.