Morbidity and mortality among patients with respiratory syncytial virus infection: a 2-year retrospective review

Previous studies have demonstrated high morbidity and mortality for adult patients with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. We performed a retrospective, multicenter, two-year chart review of all patients (n = 334) testing positive for RSV by the ProFlu + ® Influenza A/B and RSV assay (Hologic, Bedford, MA). We analyzed indicators of morbidity and mortality in children <6 years old, immunocompetent and immunosuppressed adults, and transplant patients. Significant morbidity and mortality was observed among hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients (7.3%, 60-day mortality), solid organ transplant patients (13.3%, 60-day mortality), and COPD patients (12.8%, 60-day mortality). Of the patients positive for RSV, 144 (43.1%) of 334 received antibacterials or antifungals following diagnosis. Of these patients, a bacterial or fungal pathogen was not recovered from 60% of cases. Despite advances in RSV treatment, certain populations appear to be inadequately treated, while others appear to be inappropriately treated with unnecessary antimicrobials.