Risk factors and outcomes of children with respiratory infections in two pediatric acute-care facilities in Canada

Background. Febrile respiratory infections (FRIs) are common childhood illnesses. Attributable mortality in industrialized nations is < 5%; nonetheless, FRIs account for significant morbidity and impose a major burden on healthcare resources. The epidemiology of these infections in hospitalized Canadian children has not been well studied.;Conclusions. Pediatric FRIs account for a substantial proportion of hospitalizations and have significant morbidity. Most FRIs are viral and occur in healthy young children, but underlying diseases are risk factors for complicated infections and prolonged hospitalizations. The results highlight the need for effective preventive and therapeutic interventions for FRIs in children. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).;Objectives. (1) Describe the epidemiology of FRIs in hospitalized children in two Canadian pediatric acute-care hospitals between January and April, 2004; (2) determine risk factors associated with complicated infections; (3) determine risk factors associated with increased duration of hospitalization.