Low Risk of RSV Rehospitalization in Children

Rehospitalization for RSV within the same season was rare, suggesting limited need for routine additional monoclonal antibody dosing. Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in July 2025 issue of BMC Pediatrics to examine the risk of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) rehospitalization, particularly same-season cases, among children with a history of severe initial RSV infection.

They used data from 13 RSV seasons between 2009 and 2023, drawn from an ongoing Respiratory Syncytial Virus surveillance program. Rehospitalization rates, including overall and same-season rates, were calculated for individuals of all ages and specifically for children under 5 years. Clinical characteristics of rehospitalization cases were also described.

The results showed that among 3,143 individuals with a primary RSV hospitalization, the overall rehospitalization rate was 2.2% 69 cases; 95% CI, 1.73–2.79, and the same-season rehospitalization rate was 0.06% 2 cases; 95% CI 0.02–0.23. For children from birth to 5 years, the overall rehospitalization rate was 2.3% 95% CI 1.76–3.07, and the same-season rate was 0.04% 95% CI 0.01–0.25. The median length of stay (LoS) for rehospitalizations was 4.0 days interquartile range (IQR) 3.0–6.0, significantly shorter than 6.0 days IQR 4.0–9.0 for initial admissions (P< 0.0001). Among rehospitalized cases, 68% had pre-existing conditions and 40% were born prematurely.

Investigators concluded that same-season RSV rehospitalizations were extremely rare, and routine use of monoclonal antibodies for same-season prevention was not generally justified.

According to the source: Physician's Weekly.