A RECENT cohort study of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in adults found that approximately 1 in 20 individuals diagnosed in outpatient settings were hospitalised within 28 days.
The study analysed 67,239 outpatient medically attended RSV (MA-RSV) cases from three USA databases, Optum, TriNetX, and the Veradigm Network EHR (VNEHR), across six RSV seasons (2016–2022). These databases linked electronic health records with insurance claims, allowing researchers to track all-cause hospitalisations within 28 days of diagnosis.
The study participants were predominantly female (62–67%), and comorbidities were common. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affected 20.0–30.5% of participants, congestive heart failure 14.6–24.4%, and asthma 14.6–24.4%. Additionally, between 14.0–54.5% of cases involved individuals aged 65 or older.
Findings revealed that the hospitalisation rate was 6.2% (95% CI, 5.3–7.1%) in the Optum cohort, 6.0% (95% CI, 5.4–6.5%) in TriNetX, and 4.5% (95% CI, 4.3–4.6%) in VNEHR. Furthermore, among individuals aged 65 or older or those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or congestive heart failure, hospitalisation rates were higher: 7.6% (95% CI, 6.5–8.9%) in Optum, 8.5% (95% CI, 7.6–9.4%) in TriNetX, and 6.5% (95% CI, 6.2–6.8%) in VNEHR.
With RSV causing an estimated 159,000 annual hospitalisations in USA adults aged 65 and older, this research provides critical data to inform public health strategies aimed at combating RSV and protecting at-risk populations. The study’s authors emphasise the need for targeted interventions, including preventive strategies and treatment options, to reduce hospitalisations and improve outcomes.
Reference
Landi SN et al. Hospitalization following outpatient diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus in adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(11):e2446010.
