Key result
RSV hospitalization in children ≤ 2 years was associated with significant direct medical costs (median €4,266) and a substantial reduction in quality of life, particularly in the lung domain (mean difference 34.2).
Why the study?
Respiratory syncytial virus is a leading cause of hospitalizations in young children globally, motivating an evaluation of the direct medical costs, caregiver work loss, and child quality of life impairment associated with hospitalization.
Cohort (n=382)
Yes
Mean Difference: 34.2 (95% CI 30–38.4)
RSV hospitalization in children ≤ 2 years imposes a significant economic burden and substantially impairs both caregiver productivity and child quality of life.
Documents RSV hospitalization burden in young children; leaves open whether prevention mitigates costs and QoL impacts in trials.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalizations in young children globally. We evaluated direct medical costs, caregiver work loss, and child quality of life (QoL) impairment associated with RSV hospitalization. Children ≤ 2 years with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection were prospectively identified between October 2020 and May 2023 at ten hospitals in Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and England. Direct costs were calculated based on country-specific unit costs per hospital day. Productivity loss and QoL impairment were ascertained by two validated, caregiver-administered instruments: 1) Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Child’s Hospitalization for Respiratory Illness (WPAI:CHRI), administered before discharge and 2) TNO AZL Child Quality of Life (TAPQOL), administered at baseline (shortly after admission) and before discharge. Among 382 hospitalized children, 261 (69%) were < 6 months and 306 (80%) were previously healthy. Median length of stay was 6 days (Interquartile Range (IQR) 4–8) and 50 (13%) were admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Median hospital costs/admission were €4,266 (IQR 2,438–8,442), substantially varying by country (range €2,377-€8,541). Productivity loss was substantial with 129/211 (61%) employed caregivers reporting lost work-hours (mean 30.5 ± 18/admission). Child QoL was significantly reduced during RSV hospitalization in most domains, with the highest QoL impairment observed in the lung domain (mean difference 34.2 out of 100 [95% CI 30–38.4]. Conclusion: RSV hospitalization in children ≤ 2 years was associated with significant costs and QoL impairment in five European countries, emphasizing the importance of preventing severe RSV disease. What is known: • RSV is a major cause of hospitalization in young children under 5 years of age globally . • Most hospitalized children with RSV are previously healthy . What is new: • RSV hospitalization in children ≤2 years was associated with significant costs in Europe, with median hospital costs per admission at €4,266, substantial varying by country (range: €2,377 - €8,541) . • Caregivers of children ≤ 2 years hospitalized with RSV reported substantial productivity loss and a reduction in the quality of life of their child during hospitalization, as measured using validated instruments (WPAI-CHRI and TAPQOL) .
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Wildenbeest et al. (2025) conducted a cohort in Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection (n=382). RSV hospitalization vs. Baseline (pre-RSV illness) was evaluated on Quality of life impairment in the lung domain (TAPQOL) (mean difference 34.2, 95% CI 30-38.4). RSV hospitalization in children ≤ 2 years was associated with significant direct medical costs (median €4,266) and a substantial reduction in quality of life, particularly in the lung domain (mean difference 34.2).
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