Rates of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection among children in Medicaid

Objective: To determine rates of hospitalization associated with respirator y syncytial virus (RSV) infection among children with and without specific medical conditions. Study design: Retrospective cohort study of all children <3 years old enrol led in the Tennessee Medicaid program from July 1989 through June 1993 (248 ,652 child-years). Results: During the first year of life, the estimated number of RSV hospita lizations per 1000 children was 388 for those with bronchopulmonary dysplas ia, 92 for those with congenital heart disease, 70 for children born at <le ss than or equal to>28 weeks' gestation, 66 For those born at 29 to <33 wee ks, 57 for those born at 33 to <36 weeks, and 30 for children born at term with no underlying medical condition. In the second year of life, children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia had an estimated 73 RSV hospitalizations pe r 1000 children, whereas those with congenital heart disease had 18 and tho se with prematurity 16 per 1000. Overall, 53% of RSV hospitalizations occur red in healthy children born at term. Conclusions: Children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia have high rates of RS V hospitalization until 24 months of age. In contrast, after the first year of life, children with congenital heart disease or prematurity have rates no higher than that of children at low risk who are <12 months old.