Skip to main content

www.hksccm.org

2015 Oct – High Viral Load and Respiratory Failure in Adults Hospitalized for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

Lee N, Chan MC, Lui GC, Li R, Wong RY, Yung IM, Cheung CS, Chan EC, Hui DS, Chan PK.; J Infect Dis. 2015 Oct 15;212(8):1237-40.

A prospective study among adults hospitalized for polymerase chain reaction-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus infections (n = 123) showed frequent occurrence of lower respiratory-tract complications causing respiratory insufficiency (52.8%), requirement for assisted ventilation (16.3%), and intensive care unit admission/death (12.2%).

High viral RNA concentration was detected at time of hospitalization, including in patients who presented later than 2 days of illness (day 1-2, 7.29 ± 1.47; day 3-4, 7.28 ± 1.41; day 5-8, 6.66 ± 1.87 log10 copies/mL). RNA concentration was independently associated with risk of complications and respiratory insufficiency (adjusted odds ratio 1.40 per log10 copies/mL increase, 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.90; P = .034). Our data indicate the need and provide a basis for clinical research on antiviral therapy in this population.

weblink here