The goal of a new study published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology was to determine the association between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and recurrent wheezing (RW) and asthma among full-term infants. 

The present study entailed an estimation of the risk of RW/asthma during the first five years of life, in full-term infants hospitalized with RSV before attaining the age of 1 year. Here, 2010-16 data from three claims databases in USA were utilized – Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database (CCAE); Truven Health Market Scan Multi-State Medicaid (MDCD); and Optum Clinformatics Extended Data Mart-Socio-Economic Status (SES). 

The results revealed that during the study period, 38494 (CCAE), 62846 (MDCD) and 23099 (SES) matched infant-pairs were included in each cohort. In the CCAE database, RW/asthma incidence/1000 patient-years; cumulative incidence; and odds ratios (aOR) were higher in the RSV relative to non-RSV cohort. Results in the SES insured population were comparable. On the other hand, cumulative incidence and adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) were higher in the Medicaid population (MDCD).

The findings indicated that full-term infants with severe RSV infection during the first year of life—spanning several respiratory seasons and a geographically diverse population—are at significant risk of RW/asthma during childhood.

Source: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. 2020 Jan;31(1):47-56. doi: 10.1111/pai.13131.