×
Home Current Archive Editorial board
News Contact
Original article

Clinical characteristics of hospitalized children with bronchiolitis before and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-center study

By
Amina Saračević Orcid logo ,
Amina Saračević
Contact Amina Saračević

Pediatric Department , General Hospital Tešanj, General Hospital Tešanj , Braće Pobrića 17, Tešanj 74 260 , Bosnia and Herzegovina

Amela Pašić ,
Amela Pašić

Department of Pulmonology and Cardiology, Clinic for Children Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center Tuzla , Tuzla , Bosnia and Herzegovina

Nijaz Tihić ,
Nijaz Tihić

Department of Microbiology, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Faculty of Medicine, Tuzla, University Clinical Center Tuzla , Tuzla , Bosnia and Herzegovina

Azra Lukavačkić ,
Azra Lukavačkić

Department of Pulmonology and Cardiology, Clinic for Children Disease, University Clinical Center Tuzla , Tuzla , Bosnia and Herzegovina

Amila Huremović ,
Amila Huremović

Department of Surgery, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, University Clinical Center Tuzla , Tuzla , Bosnia and Herzegovina

Džana Kavazović
Džana Kavazović

Pediatric Department, General Hospital Tešanj, General Hospital Tešanj , Tešanj , Bosnia and Herzegovina

Editor: SELMA UZUNOVIĆ

Abstract

ABSTRACT

AimAcute respiratory infections caused by viral pathogens are the most common reason for hospitalization of children. Annually, 150 million infants worldwide are diagnosed with bronchiolitis, and 2-3% of them are hospitalized. This study aimed to compare bronchiolitis severity before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Pulmonology, Paediatric Clinic, Clinical Centre University of Tuzla, covering the period from November 1st, 2018, to April th 30, 2019 (pre-COVID period) and November 1st, 2023, to April 30th, 2024 (post-COVID period). A total 129 children under the age of 2 years were involved.

Results No significant differences in the age, body mass, comorbidities, duration of hospitalization, use of oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation was found. There was a significant reduction in antibiotic in the post-COVID group (p=0.0173), and a significant increase in the use of aminophylline and inhalation therapy drugs in the post-COVID group. There was a significantly higher number of isolated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in the post-COVID group, 32 (42.7%). prevalence of fully vaccinated children was significantly higher in the pre-COVID period compared to the post-COVID period,  34 (74.4%?) and  29 (45.3%), respectively.

Conclusion This study reveals a significant increase in the severity of bronchiolitis and an increase in RSV cases after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: anti-bacterial agents,coinfection, oxygen inhalation therapy,respiratory syncytial virus infections, vaccination

Author Contributions

Investigation, A.S. and N.T.; Methodology, A.S.; Writing – original draft, A.S.; Writing – review & editing, A.S. and A.L.; Conceptualization, A.P.; Project administration, A.P.; Supervision, A.P.; Funding acquisition, N.T. and D.K.; Software, A.H. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Citation

Funding Statement

No specific funding was received for this study.

Article metrics

Google scholar: See link

The statements, opinions and data contained in the journal are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publisher and the editor(s). We stay neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.