Clinical evolution and medical resource utilization in adult patients with respiratory syncytial virus infection at a community hospital in Argentina
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Objective
To describe the hospital medical resources used in adults hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus infection and to evaluate the association of comorbidities with resource utilization and clinical outcomes.
Design
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the electronic healthcare database of Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina. It included hospitalized patients aged 18 years or older who had a positive test for respiratory syncytial virus between September 2010 and December 2023. Data were analyzed using standard statistical methods following STROBE guidelines.
Results
Among 72 hospitalized adults with confirmed respiratory syncytial virus infection, the mean length of hospital stay was 12.18 days (SD 12.91), and 27 (37.5%) patients required intensive care unit admission. Healthcare resource utilization was substantial, with 26% needing non-invasive ventilation and 11% requiring mechanical ventilation. Additionally, 75% received antibiotics, and 68.05% were treated with corticosteroids. Cardiovascular comorbidities were significantly associated with severe disease outcomes and intensive care unit admission (OR 3.53, 95% CI: 1.00-12.54). Comparative analysis with 226 influenza patients showed respiratory syncytial virus patients had longer hospital stays and higher intensive care unit admission rates.
Conclusions
Respiratory syncytial virus infection in adults resulted in substantial medical resource utilization and significant intensive care unit admission and ventilation support requirements. Cardiovascular comorbidities are associated with increased severity and intensive care unit admission admissions. Compared to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus leads to longer hospital stays and higher intensive care unit admissions, highlighting the need for tailored management strategies for respiratory syncytial virus in adult populations. Further research should focus on optimizing treatment protocols and preventive measures for respiratory syncytial virus.
