Case Report: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in a preterm infant secondary to respiratory syncytial virus and bacterial co-infection - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in a preterm infant secondary to respiratory syncytial virus and bacterial co-infection

  • By

  • Xue Han

  • Li Zhang

  • Rui Zhang

  • Wenli Liu

  • May 18, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Preterm Infant with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome Due to RSV

Overview

This report details a case of a preterm infant, born at 36 + 6 weeks gestation, who developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and bacterial co-infection. The infant required extensive medical intervention but was successfully discharged after 22 days of hospitalization.

Background

RSV is a leading cause of severe respiratory infections in neonates, with approximately 20% of infected infants requiring hospitalization. Co-infections with bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae can complicate RSV infections, increasing morbidity and mortality. Understanding the clinical management of such cases is crucial for improving outcomes in vulnerable populations like preterm infants.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

The infant was diagnosed with severe pneumonia due to RSV and bacterial co-infections. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was utilized for rapid pathogen identification. Management included invasive mechanical ventilation, IVIG, and corticosteroids. The infant experienced cardiopulmonary arrest but was successfully resuscitated. After 22 days of hospitalization, the infant was discharged without complications.

Clinical Implications

This case underscores the importance of early identification and management of RSV and bacterial co-infections in preterm infants. Clinicians should consider multimodal treatment approaches, including mechanical ventilation, immunotherapy, and supportive care, to improve outcomes in similar cases.

Conclusion

The successful management of this preterm infant with RSV and co-infections highlights the need for prompt intervention and comprehensive care strategies, including mechanical ventilation and immunotherapy, in neonatal respiratory distress.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- RSV-infected children with mixed infections: clinical features and early predictive indicators of codetection with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae
  2. Open Forum Infectious Diseases -- Outcomes Related to Bacterial Co-Infection and Antibiotic Use in Adults Hospitalized With Respiratory Syncytial Virus Compared with Influenza
  3. The Journal of Infectious Diseases -- Clinical Characteristics and In-hospital Outcomes Associated With Respiratory Syncytial Virus vs Other Viral Acute Lower Respiratory Infections in Hospitalized Children Younger Than 2 Years
  4. MMWR -- Use of Clesrovimab for Prevention of Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Infants: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2025
  5. Surviving Sepsis Campaign -- International Guidelines for the Management of Septic Shock and Sepsis-Associated Organ Dysfunction in Children
  6. Pediatric Cardiology — Pulmonary Interstitial Glycogenosis: A Potential Overlooked Cause of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns with Congenital Heart Defects?
  7. Multiple co-infections and risk of severe outcomes in children with respiratory syncytial virus infection
  8. Use of Clesrovimab for Prevention of Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Infants: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2025 | MMWR
  9. Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines for the Management of Septic Shock and Sepsis-Associated Organ Dysfunction in Children | SCCM

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