Epidemiology and Outcomes of hMPV in Hospitalized Adults Aged 50+
Overview
This study analyzed 212 hospitalized adults aged 50 and above with laboratory-confirmed human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection. Frailty was common and strongly associated with severe disease, increased oxygen therapy needs, and longer hospital stays. Cardiac illness, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and frailty independently increased the odds of severe hMPV infection.
Background
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus that disproportionately affects young children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting conditions. It spreads via contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids and peaks in late winter and spring in temperate regions. While extensive data exist on hMPV in children, limited information is available on its burden and severity in older adults. Currently, no specific treatments or licensed vaccines exist, though vaccine development is underway, especially targeting older and immunocompromised populations.
Data Highlights
Characteristic
Value
Number of patients
212
Median age
76 years
Severe disease prevalence
85.4%
Frail patients
61.3%
Severe disease in frail vs nonfrail
80.8% vs 63.4%
Oxygen therapy need in frail vs nonfrail
80.8% vs 63.4%
Median hospital stay in frail vs nonfrail
8 days vs 4 days
Odds ratio for severe disease - cardiac illness
1.76 (95% CI, 1.02–3.09)
Odds ratio for severe disease - congestive heart failure
1.91 (95% CI, 1.12–3.09)
Odds ratio for severe disease - COPD
1.93 (95% CI, 1.14–3.35)
Odds ratio for severe disease - frailty
1.99 (95% CI, 1.18–3.38)
Key Findings
Among adults aged ≥50 hospitalized with hMPV, 85.4% experienced severe disease.
Frailty was present in 61.3% of patients and was associated with higher rates of severe disease and oxygen therapy.
Frail patients had a median hospital stay twice as long as nonfrail patients (8 vs 4 days).
Cardiac illness, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease significantly increased the odds of severe hMPV infection.
Frailty nearly doubled the odds of severe disease, highlighting its importance as a clinical risk factor.
Clinical Implications
Assessment of frailty using standardized tools should be integrated into the clinical management of middle-aged and older adults hospitalized with hMPV. Recognizing frailty and comorbidities such as cardiac disease and COPD can help identify patients at higher risk for severe outcomes. These factors should also be considered when prioritizing individuals for future hMPV vaccination once available.
Conclusion
Frailty and certain comorbidities significantly contribute to severe hMPV infection in hospitalized adults aged 50 and above. Incorporating frailty assessment into clinical practice and vaccination strategies may improve management and outcomes in this vulnerable population.
References
Canadian Immunization Research Network 2012-2015 -- Epidemiological Insights on hMPV in Hospitalized Adults
by Henrique Pott, Jason J LeBlanc, May ElSherif, Todd F Hatchette, Melissa K Andrew, Shelly A McNeil, on behalf of the Serious Outcomes Surveillance Network of the Canadian Immunization Research Network
