학술논문

Bronchiolitis in COVID-19 times: a nearly absent disease?
Document Type
Article
Source
European Journal of Pediatrics. Jun2021, Vol. 180 Issue 6, p1969-1973. 5p. 1 Chart, 1 Graph.
Subject
*BRONCHIOLITIS
*COVID-19
*RESPIRATORY infections
*STAY-at-home orders
*SOCIAL distancing
*VIRUS diseases
Language
ISSN
0340-6199
Abstract
Stay-at-home orders, physical distancing, face masks and other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) do not only impact COVID-19, but also the dynamics of various other infectious diseases. Bronchiolitis is a clinically diagnosed viral infection of the lower respiratory tract, and causes a yearly seasonal wave of admissions in paediatric wards worldwide. We counted 92,5% less bronchiolitis hospitalisations in Antwerp before the expected end of the peak this year (of which only 1 RSV positive), as compared to the last 3 years. Furthermore, there was a >99% reduction in the number of registered RSV cases in Belgium. Conslusion: The 2020 winter bronchiolitis peak is hitherto nonexistent, but we fear a 'delayed' spring/summer bronchiolitis peak when most NPIs will be relaxed and pre-pandemic life restarts. What is known? • Bronchiolitis causes a yearly seasonal wave of admissions in paediatric departments worldwide. • Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) do not only impact COVID-19, but also the dynamics of various other infectious diseases. What is new? • The 2020 winter bronchiolitis peak is hitherto nonexistent. • A 'delayed' spring or summer bronchiolitis peak could happen when most NPIs will be relaxed and pre-pandemic life restarts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]