Young children with RS virus more likely to see general practitioner
A child coughing, suffering from rhinitis and shortness of breath? One third of children younger than 5 years who visit their GP with acute respiratory symptoms during the winter season test positive for the RS virus. This is according to the RSV ComNet study by Sarah Hak and team from UMC Utrecht, Nivel and RIVM, in collaboration with international partners, published in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
The study mapped the burden of disease of young children with RS virus infection in GPs. This burden of disease included disease progression, healthcare use and social impact, e.g. work absenteeism of parents or carers.
3414 children participated in the study, which took place in five European countries: Netherlands, Belgium, England, Spain and Italy. Of the participants, 331 children and their parents were from the Netherlands. Children with such an RS virus infection are sick for an average of 12 days and visit the GP an average of 2.4 times for this. Interestingly, the percentage of hospital admissions due to RS virus infections differs greatly between countries: in the Netherlands, 4% of children were admitted after the GP visit, while in Belgium it was as high as 44%.
Care utilisation for RS virus infections in young children differs between countries
Although the disease course of RS virus infection was similar between children, there were significant differences in healthcare utilisation. Children in the Netherlands visited the GP an average of 1.4 times, while in Spain it was 3.0 times. In addition, there were marked differences in medication prescribed by the GP because of the RS virus infection. In the Netherlands, 19% of children were prescribed antibiotics but not corticosteroids. In Italy, 32% of children were prescribed antibiotics. In both Italy and Spain, relatively high numbers of inhaled corticosteroids (25% and 9%, respectively) and oral corticosteroids (18% and 14%) were prescribed.
Infants were hospitalised more often (20.3%) than children aged between 1 and 5 years (6.7%). However, the duration of illness was similar. Babies with RS virus infections visited GPs an average of 2.7 times, slightly more often than children aged 1-5 years (2.1 times). Interestingly, GPs in Europe were more likely to prescribe medication to children aged 1-5 years (62%) than to babies (50%).
Parental absenteeism due to caring for their child
The survey shows that the impact of an RS virus infection is not limited to the sick child. Almost half of the parents (46%) reported taking at least one day off work to care for their child.
Prevention
From autumn 2025, a preventive antibody ‘nirsevimab’ will be added to the National Vaccination Programme in the Netherlands. This will allow babies to be protected against the RS virus during their first winter season. No preventive agent or vaccination is available for children aged 1-5 years. The RSV ComNet study is the first international study on the disease burden of RS virus infections in general practice. The study was funded by Sanofi and AstraZeneca.
Read de publication.
Knot good: How cells untie DNA to protect the genome
Not all DNA looks like the familiar twisted ladder. Sometimes, parts of our genetic code fold into unusual shapes. One such structure, the G-quadruplex (G4), looks like a knot. These knots can play important roles in turning genes on or off. But if not untangled in time, they can harm our genome. Now, researchers from the Knipscheer Group, in collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet, have uncovered a surprising mechanism that keeps these knots in check. Their work, published in Science on June 12th, could lead to new ways to treat diseases like cancer.
Number of animal experiments at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht declines further in 2024
The number of animal experiments conducted by Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht has declined again over the past year. The numbers dropped from 14,192 in 2023 to 12,584 in 2024. This is evident from the joint 2024 Annual Report on Animal Experiments.
Utrecht Life Sciences: from pitch to practise
On 1st October 2024, Professor Paul Coffer stepped into his role as Scientific Director of Utrecht University’s Strategic Theme Life Sciences. More than six months in, the honeymoon period is over and the course ahead is clear. What did he encounter, and where is he heading next?
Record number of participants cross the finish line at the sunny Utrecht Science Park during the HiPRO Utrecht Marathon
On Sunday 18 May, Utrecht was all about sports. The HiPRO Utrecht Marathon experienced a special edition with a full lap at the marathon distance and a record number of participants of over 18,500. In the morning, thousands of runners started their run. Traditionally, the start and finish took place at the Utrecht Science Park, which was the vibrant heart of this sports event.