Disease Burden of RSV Infections and Bronchiolitis in Young Children (< 5 Years) in Primary Care and Emergency Departments: A Systematic Literature Review

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute respiratory infections in young children. Limited data are available on RSV disease burden in primary care and emergency departments (EDs). This review synthesizes the evidence on population-based incidence rates of RSV infections in young children (< 5 years) in primary care and EDs. A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed and Embase. Studies reporting yearly population-based RSV incidence rates in primary care and EDs were included. A total of 4244 records were screened and 32 studies were included, conducted between 1993 and 2019. Studies were mainly performed in high-income countries (n = 27), with 15 studies in North America and 10 studies in Europe. There was significant variability in study methodology and setting among studies, resulting in considerable variability in reported incidence rates. Incidence rates were higher in primary care—ranging from 0.8 to 330 (median = 109) per 1000 population—compared to EDs (7.5–144.0, median = 48). The highest incidence rates were reported in infants. Additionally, incidence rates were higher in high-income countries and in studies using laboratory-confirmed RSV cases compared to studies using bronchiolitis ICD-codes (non–laboratory confirmed). Our study found that a substantial number of children under 5 years of age attend primary care settings and EDs, every year for RSV infections. Due to the considerable heterogeneity in study methodology, it was impossible to draw definitive conclusions regarding factors explaining differences in reported incidence rates. Additionally, more studies in low- and middle-income countries are recommended.