From bedside to revisit: identifying risk factors for outpatient revisits following pediatric viral lower respiratory tract infections – insights from hospitalized cases of RSV, HBoV and influenza

Objective: Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) are among the leading causes of hospitalization, particularly in children under five years of age. A substantial proportion of children discharged after hospitalization for viral ALRTIs experience recurrent respiratory tract infections; however, the clinical predictors of these recurrences have not yet been fully defined. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between recurrent hospital visits due to respiratory tract infections within one year post-discharge and various clinical and demographic factors in pediatric patients hospitalized with ALRTIs caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human bocavirus (HBoV), or influenza viruses (IFV). Material andMethods: This retrospective observational study included pediatric patients hospitalized due to RSV, HBoV, or IFV infections between January and December 2023. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, hospitalization details, and post-discharge follow-up data were evaluated. Recurrent hospital visits related to respiratory tract infections within one year of discharge were analyzed. Results:A total of 519 patients were evaluated. Recurrent hospital visits due to respiratory tract infections were identified in 216 patients (41.6%) during the follow-up period. Younger age (p = 0.028) and the presence of chronic illness (p = 0.011) were found to be significant risk factors for these repeat visits. No significant association was observed between recurrent visit frequency and variables such as sex, identified viral pathogen, laboratory parameters, or radiological findings. Conclusion: Younger age and comorbid chronic illnesses were identified as important risk factors for recurrent hospital visits following viral ALRTIs. These findings highlight the need for more structured and targeted follow-up strategies in pediatric patients at higher risk after hospital discharge.