Risk factors for severe bronchiolitis caused by respiratory virus infections among Mexican children in an emergency department

Robledo-Aceves, Mireya; Moreno-Peregrina, María de Jesús; Velarde-Rivera, Fernando; Ascencio-Esparza, Elba; Preciado-Figueroa, Francisco M.; Caniza, Miguela A.; Escobedo-Melendez, Griselda

Bronchiolitis causes significant morbidity and mortality in infants and young children worldwide and is one of the most common clinical conditions treated by practicing pediatricians. [1] Severe bronchiolitis is the most common reason for hospitalization of pediatric patients. This condition causes acute inflammation, edema, and necrosis of epithelial cells; increased mucus production; and inadequate oxygenation of tissues, which can permanently damage the respiratory structures. In high-income countries, such as the United States, the number of hospitalizations for severe bronchiolitis have been estimated at 120,000 cases per year among infants, [2] and the proportion of hospitalizations have tripled between 1980 and 1996, from 5% to 16%. [3] In Spain, the incidence of bronchiolitis is estimated at 7%, and hospital admissions is estimated at 1.79% annually in children younger than 2 years. [4] However, in low/middle-income countries, the data on admissions of children with severe bronchiolitis and their outcomes are seldom up to date.