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BackgroundRecurrent wheeze and asthma in childhood are commons causes of chronic respiratory morbidity globally. We aimed to explore the association between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in early life and subsequent respiratory sequelae up to age 12 years.MethodsWe estimated the strength of association by 3 control groups and 3 follow-up age groups, with data from studies published between January 1995 and May 2018. We also estimated associations by diagnostic criteria, age at infection, and high-risk population.ResultsOverall, we included 41 studies. A statistically significant association was observed between early life RSV infection and subsequent childhood recurrent wheeze, in comparison to those who were healthy or those without respiratory symptoms: OR 3.05 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.50-3.71) for 0 to <36 months follow-up age; OR 2.60 (95% CI, 1.67-4.04) for 36-72 months; and OR 2.14 (95% CI, 1.33-3.45) for 73-144 months. For the subsequent development of asthma, a statistically significant association was observed only in relation to those aged 73-144 months at follow-up: OR 2.95 (95% CI, 1.96-4.46).ConclusionsFurther studies using standardized definitions and from diverse settings are needed to elucidate the role of confounders and provide more robust estimates.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/infdis/jiz311

Type

Journal article

Journal

The Journal of infectious diseases

Publication Date

10/2020

Volume

222

Pages

S628 - S633

Addresses

Centre for Global Health Research, Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics.

Keywords

RESCEU Investigators, Humans, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human, Respiratory Tract Infections, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections, Asthma, Recurrence, Respiratory Sounds, Risk Factors, Child, Child, Preschool