Hospitalizations for nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis in a tertiary pediatric center: a 4-year prospective study.
BACKGROUND
Although rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, data regarding nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis (NRVGE) are limited. Our objectives were to study the rates, seasonality, epidemiology, and clinical features of NRVGE.


METHODS
This was a 4-year prospective study.


RESULTS
NRVGE occurred in 1% of all admissions (356/35,833), 0.8% of all hospitalization days (1164/145,595) and 0.24 cases per 100 hospitalization days. Rates of NRVGE were age-dependent, occurring in 1.8%, 1.5%, 0.3%, and 0.1% of the admissions of children age < or = 1, > 1 to 2, > 2 to 5, and > 5 years, respectively (P < .001). Of the children age > 5 years, 90% received immunosuppressive treatment or had significant underlying diseases. The number of NRVGE cases was highest in winter months, but it occurred throughout the year, and its percentage of all hospitalizations for rotavirus gastroenteritis was highest in the summer months. NRVGE occurred after a median hospitalization of 6 days, required a median hospital stay of 3 days, and warranted treatment with intravenous fluids in 67% of cases.


CONCLUSIONS
NRVGE is a significant health burden, especially in children age < or = 2 years, although it also can affect children age > 5 years with significant underlying disturbances. Vaccine prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis also could reduce NRVGE and should be considered in cost-effectiveness analyses.
Waisbourd-Zinman
Orith
O
Department of Pediatrics A, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49202, Israel.
Ben-Ziony
Shiri
S
Solter
Ester
E
Scherf
Edna
E
Samra
Zmira
Z
Ashkenazi
Shai
S
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology