Association between clinical phenotypes and severe disease progression in respiratory syncytial virus-infected children across age groups

ZHANG Zhongwei; LI Muge; DING Juan

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1007-8134.2025.03.007

Abstract：Objective Exploring the clinical phenotypic characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)-infected children across different age groups and their correlation with the risk of severe disease.Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 106 children hospitalized with RSV-infection at Weifang Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023.The infants were stratified into 4 age groups:0-3 months,4-6 months,7-12 months,and＞12 months.Comparative analysis of clinical phenotype characteristics was performed across groups,and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for severe disease progression.Results Among the 106 RSV-infected children,the age distribution was as follows:32 cases(30.2%)in the 0-3 months group,28 cases(26.4%)in the 4-6 months group,26 cases(24.5%)in the 7-12 months group,and 20 cases(18.9%)in the＞12 months group.The 0-3 months group had the highest proportion of severe cases(43.8%),with higher incidences of dyspnea,wheezing,and pulmonary rales.Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age≤3 months(OR=29.324,P=0.026),preterm birth history(OR=71.454,P=0.000),and underlying diseases(OR=7.998,P=0.015)as independent risk factors for severe RSV infection.Conclusions The clinical phenotypes of RSV-infected children exhibit age-dependent characteristics,with infants aged≤3 months being more susceptible to severe disease.Additionally,preterm birth history and underlying medical conditions were identified as independent risk factors for severe RSV infection.Close clinical monitoring is warranted for children with these risk factors.