WIP 115 - Comparing the Epidemiology and Disease Course of Pediatric Viral Illnesses During the “Triple-demic” Viral Surge in 2022-2023 to pre-pandemic viral seasons (2017-2020)

Poster Number: WIP 115
Publication Number: WIP 115.911

Background: Pediatric hospital admissions for viral illnesses decreased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic due to social restrictions and masking. While children were only a small percentage of those affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, there was a surge of pediatric admissions for RSV and other viral infections in the 2022-2023 post-lockdown viral season, colloquially referred to as the “triple-demic”. Literature to date has not fully described how this post-pandemic surge compared to pre-pandemic viral seasons.

Objective: To describe the epidemiology and hospital course of pediatric patients with acute viral infections in 2022-2023 and compare to pre-pandemic viral seasons (2017-2020).

Design/Methods: This observational study examines medical record data for children aged 0-18 who presented to the pediatric emergency department at an urban academic tertiary care center and received viral testing during the post-pandemic (2022-2023) or pre-pandemic (2017-2020) viral seasons. Primary outcomes: rate of hospitalization, step-down or intensive care unit admission, highest level of respiratory support (invasive or non-invasive ventilatory support, oxygen therapy) and hospital length of stay. Secondary outcomes: rate of co-occurring viral infections or pneumonia, and patient demographics.

Pre-and post-pandemic rates of hospitalization and highest level of respiratory support will be compared using two-sample test of proportions. Continuous variables such as age and LOS will be compared using two-sample t-tests. Regression analysis will be used to control for demographic factors.

Partial

Results: During the 2022-2023 viral season, 2,884 children had a positive viral panel and 784 (27%) were admitted to the hospital. Median age was 2.2 years [IQR: 1.0-4.5]; 452 (58%) were male. Of those admitted, 534 (68%) required step-down or ICU-level care; 157 (20%) required high flow therapy, 84 (11%) required NIPPV and 14 (2%) required mechanical ventilation. Median LOS was 2.01 days [IQR: 1.3-3.3].

Pre-pandemic data will be available in Nov 2023. Data analysis will be complete by Dec 2023.