HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS REGISTER		Author Keyword(s) Vol Page [Advanced]

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this link to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Add article to my folders Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bont, L Articles by Kimpen, J L L Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Bont, L Articles by Kimpen, J L L Topic Collections Relevant Article

Seasonality of long term wheezing following respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection

¹ Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
² Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
³ Department of Pediatrics, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
⁴ Department of Pediatrics, St Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
⁵ Department of Pediatrics, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
⁶ Department of Pediatrics, Diakonessen Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr J L L Kimpen
Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands; j.kimpen{at}wkz.azu.nl

Background: It is well known that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is associated with subsequent wheezing episodes, but the precise natural course of wheezing following RSV LRTI is not known. This study aimed to determine the continuous development of wheezing following RSV LRTI in children up to the age of 3 years.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed in 140 hospitalised infants with RSV LRTI. Continuous follow up data were obtained with a unique log in which parents noted daily respiratory symptoms.

Results: A marked decrease in wheezing was seen during the first year of follow up. The burden of wheezing following RSV LRTI was observed during the winter season. Signs of airflow limitation during RSV LRTI were strongly associated with wheezing during the follow up period. Total and specific serum immunoglobulin E levels, patient eczema, and parental history of atopy were not associated with wheezing.

Conclusions: Airway morbidity following RSV LRTI has a seasonal pattern, which suggests that viral upper respiratory tract infections are the predominant trigger for wheezing following RSV LRTI. There is a significant decrease in airway symptoms during the first 12 months after admission to hospital. Simple clinical variables, but not allergic risk factors, can predict the development of wheezing following RSV LRTI.

Keywords: asthma; allergy; children; respiratory syncytial virus; wheezing

Relevant Article

Airwaves

Wisia Wedzicha
Thorax 2004 59: 453. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. G. Stensballe, K. Kristensen, E. A.F. Simoes, H. Jensen, J. Nielsen, C. S. Benn, P. Aaby, and for the Danish RSV Data Network Atopic Disposition, Wheezing, and Subsequent Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization in Danish Children Younger Than 18 Months: A Nested Case-Control Study Pediatrics, November 1, 2006; 118(5): e1360 - e1368. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]