Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Hospitalized Children: Characteristics for 2015–2024

Abstract

Introduction. Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSVI) remains one of the most important causes of hospitalization in young children and is a leading contributor to the overall burden of acute respiratory infections. The infection is characterized by a high risk of severe course and complications, particularly in infants, and thus places a significant strain on healthcare systems. Studying the clinical and epidemiological features of RSVI over the past decade, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial for assessing current risks and guiding preventive strategies. Purpose. To characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of respiratory syncytial virus infection in hospitalized children from 2015 to 2024. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of medical records of children hospitalized with RSVI between 2015 and 2024 was conducted. Parameters assessed included seasonal dynamics, age distribution, clinical manifestations, frequency of complications, and mortality. Descriptive statistics were applied, and intergroup comparisons were performed using the χ² test at a significance level of p<0.05. Results. Since 2020, a shift of the seasonal peak to earlier months was observed, coinciding with altered patterns of circulation of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of hospitalizations were recorded among children under two years of age (about 70%), with infants under 12 months being the most vulnerable group. In this category, severe clinical forms and complications such as bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia were significantly more frequent, accounting for over 20% of all cases. Children with risk factors (prematurity, chronic pulmonary or cardiac diseases) were disproportionately affected, with higher rates of severe outcomes and longer hospital stays. Although overall mortality remained low (<1%), the demand for hospital resources –including oxygen supplementation, intensive care, and prolonged treatment –was substantial. Conclusion. RSVI continues to pose a considerable clinical and epidemiological challenge in young children. The observed seasonal shift after 2020, high burden of severe and complicated cases in infants, and sustained healthcare utilization highlight the urgent need for modern preventive strategies. Expanding access to novel immunoprophylaxis approaches, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, represents a promising direction to reduce the disease burden and improve outcomes in the most vulnerable pediatric groups.