Neonatal Med.  2015 Feb;22(1):27-33. 10.5385/nm.2015.22.1.27.

Clinical Characteristics of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Full-Term Newborns without Risk Factors

• Song WS
• Song BJ
• Kim WD

• KMID: 2052175
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5385/nm.2015.22.1.27

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study evaluated the characteristics and symptoms of full-term newborns without risk factors who were diagnosed with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI).
METHODS
Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from 72 full-term newborns to 30 days of age who were diagnosed with ALRI from September 2011 to November 2013 and analyzed by multiplex real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
RESULTS
Viruses were detected in 60 newborns (83.3%). Single viruses were observed in 56 newborns (77.7%). The most commonly detected viral agent was respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (63.8%), followed by parainfluenza virus (6.9%), rhinovirus A/B (4.1%), and human coronavirus (2.7%). Clinical diagnoses of ALRI in newborns with a single virus included pneumonia (66.07%), bronchiolitis (30.43%), bronchitis (5.35 %), and croup (1.79%). There were no differences in epidemiological characteristics between RSV and other viruses. However, newborns diagnosed with RSV had prolonged hospitalizations and significantly increased respiratory rates.
CONCLUSION
Respiratory viruses, especially RSV, are pivotal causes of ALRI in newborns. Further, studies on RSV severity and vaccination are necessary to reduce hospitalization and mortality of full-term infants.

Keyword

Full term newborn; Acute lower respiratory tract infection; Multiplex RT-PCR; RSV

MeSH Terms

Bronchiolitis
Bronchitis
Coronavirus
Croup
Diagnosis
Hospitalization
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn*
Mortality
Paramyxoviridae Infections
Pneumonia
Respiratory Rate
Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
Respiratory Tract Infections*
Rhinovirus
Risk Factors*
Vaccination