Original ArticlesHospitalizations for Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Vaccine-Preventable Infections in the First 2 Years After Pediatric Liver Transplant

ObjectivesTo examine in liver transplant recipients at centers participating in the Pediatric Health Information System dataset the number of hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and vaccine-preventable infections (VPIs) in the first 2 years after transplantation, morbidity and mortality associated with these hospitalizations, and costs associated with these hospitalizations.Study designA retrospective cohort study of patients <18 years of age who underwent liver transplantation at a Pediatric Health Information System center between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2012. Hospitalizations for RSV/VPIs during the first 2 years post-transplant were ascertained using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. Data were collected on clinical care, outcomes, and costs during these hospitalizations.ResultsThere were 2554 liver transplant recipients identified; 415 patients (16.3%) had 544 cases of RSV/VPIs. RSV, rotavirus, and influenza were the most common infections resulting in hospitalization. Ninety-two patients (3.6%) had RSV/VPI during their transplant hospitalization. Transplant hospitalizations complicated by RSV/VPI were longer (44 days vs. 21 days; P < .001), had higher rejection rates (37% vs. 26%; P = .02), and were more expensive ($259 697 vs. $190 860; P < .001). Multivariate analyses identified age <2 years at transplant (P < .001) and multivisceral recipient (P = .04) as predictors of a hospitalization for RSV.ConclusionsVPIs occurred in 1 of 6 liver transplant recipients in the first 2 years post-transplant, a significantly higher rate than in the general pediatric population. These hospitalizations had substantial morbidity, mortality, and costs, demonstrating the importance of vaccinating patients before transplantation.