Factors Associated with Acute Bronchiolitis Severity in Peruvian Children Under One Year of Age

Torres E.P.; Madrid I.C.; Párraga G.B.; Quintana G.P. · Revista Cubana de Pediatria (2025)

Resumen

Introduction: Acute bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in children under one year of age and is responsible for many pediatric hospitalizations. Objective: To identify factors associated with the severity of acute bronchiolitis in Peruvian children under one year of age, at Ramiro Priale National Hospital in 2023. Methods: An analytical study with a case-control design. Children aged 1 to 11 months hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis were studied. Patients with severe acute bronchiolitis (Acute Bronchiolitis Severity Scale ≥ 10 points) were considered cases (N = 42), and those with < 10 points were considered controls (N = 84). A questionnaire was completed for each patient with the variables of interest, and comparisons between groups were made. The chi-square test was used for qualitative variables, bivariate analysis was used to calculate ORs with a 95% CI, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A significant association was found with the lack of exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.009), exposure to wood smoke (p = 0.033) and tobacco smoke (p = 0.008), and a history of asthma in the parents (p = 0.009). Conclusions: The severity of bronchiolitis is associated with a group of risk factors that can be prevented, but a history of asthma in the parents can be a warning sign of probable severity.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú