# Clinical Burden and Healthcare Utilization Associated with Hospitalizations of RSV-Infected Polish Children During the 2022/23 Season

## TL;DR

This study examines the clinical and healthcare impact of RSV hospitalizations in Polish children under 5 years old during the 2022/23 season.

## Contribution

The study provides population-level insights into RSV hospitalizations in Poland, emphasizing the need for broader preventive strategies.

## Key findings

- Most hospitalized RSV patients were under 12 months old and had no comorbidities.
- Common RSV manifestations included pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and bronchitis.
- Over half of patients received antibiotics or steroid therapy, and 21% required respiratory support.

## Abstract

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract illness and hospitalizations in children aged ≤5 years worldwide. The aim of this study was to characterize the Polish population of patients aged ≤5 years who were hospitalized due to RSV infection, focusing on their clinical and epidemiological characteristics as well as treatment patterns. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024 in 41 hospitals with pediatric departments across Poland. Data from patients aged ≤5 years admitted due to RSV infection confirmed with antigen test or RT-PCR were collected. The dataset was weighted and extrapolated to allow conclusions applicable to the general population of patients aged 0–5 years hospitalized with RSV infection in Poland. Results: Data from 419 patients were analyzed. Over half (57.4%) were younger than 12 months, 84% were born at term, and 85.8% had no comorbidities. The most frequent manifestations of RSV infections were pneumonia (56.8%), bronchiolitis (35.9%), and bronchitis (12.4%). Viral co-infections were identified in 8% of patients. Regarding treatment, 21.1% of patients required respiratory support, 67.6% received inhaled steroid therapy, 61.5% were treated with antibiotics, 48.1% received beta2-mimetics and anticholinergics, and 44.3% underwent systemic steroid therapy. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that severe RSV primarily affects the youngest children with no comorbidities who do not present high risk conditions. To reduce the overall disease burden, preventive strategies should be offered to all children, not being limited to those in risk groups.