Risk Factors for Poor Outcomes in Children Hospitalized With Virus-associated Acute Lower Respiratory Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) caused by respiratory viruses is among the most common causes of hospitalization and mortality in children. We aimed to identify risk factors for poor outcomes in children <5 years old hospitalized with ALRI caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: We searched Embase, Medline and Global Health databases and included observational studies reporting risk factors for poor outcomes (defined as use of supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit admission, prolonged hospital stay and mortality) published between January 2011 and January 2023. Two authors independently extracted data on study characteristics, outcomes and risk factors. Due to limited data, meta-analyses were only conducted for RSV-ALRI poor outcome risk factors using random effects model when there were at least 3 studies. Results: We included 30 studies. For RSV-related ALRI, significant risk factors based on meta-analysis were: neurological disease [odds ratio (OR): 6.14; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 2.39–15.77], Down’s syndrome (5.43; 3.02–9.76), chronic lung disease (3.64; 1.31–10.09), immunocompromised status (3.41; 1.85–6.29), prematurity (2.98; 1.93–4.59), congenital heart disease (2.80; 1.84–4.24), underlying disease (2.45; 1.94–3.09), age <2 months (2.29; 1.78–2.94), age <6 months (2.08; 1.81–2.39), viral coinfection (2.01; 1.27–3.19), low birth weight (1.88; 1.19–2.95) and being underweight (1.80; 1.38–2.35). For influenza-related ALRI, chronic conditions and age 6–24 months were identified as risk factors for poor outcomes. Cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and high blood pressure were reported as risk factors for mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 associated ALRI. Conclusions: These findings might contribute to the development of guidelines for prophylaxis and management of ALRI caused by RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2.