Multiplex PCR-based epidemiology of viral acute respiratory infections in hospitalized children: implications for antibiotic stewardship in Saudi Arabia - Scorecard - MDSpire
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Multiplex PCR-based epidemiology of viral acute respiratory infections in hospitalized children: implications for antibiotic stewardship in Saudi Arabia
Clinical Scorecard: Epidemiological Insights from Multiplex PCR on Viral Acute Respiratory Infections in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: Consequences for Antibiotic Use in Saudi Arabia
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs)
Key Mechanisms
Viral pathogens, primarily respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Enterovirus, identified using multiplex PCR.
Target Population
Hospitalized children under 14 years with febrile respiratory illness.
Care Setting
Tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.
Key Highlights
42.8% of patients required supplemental oxygen.
12.1% of patients required ICU admission.
RSV (35.5%) and Enterovirus (22.1%) were the most common viral pathogens.
Inflammatory markers and antibiotic use were higher in patients with negative swab results.
RSV showed a seasonal peak in November.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Use multiplex PCR for accurate identification of viral pathogens in pediatric ARIs.
Management
Implement targeted therapeutic strategies based on viral etiology.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor respiratory symptoms and inflammatory markers in hospitalized children.
Risks
Increased risk of hospitalization and ICU admission in cases of RSV and Enterovirus infections.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children under 14 years hospitalized with febrile respiratory illness.
Early viral identification may reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
Clinical Best Practices
Adopt multiplex PCR testing as a standard diagnostic tool for pediatric ARIs.
Enhance antimicrobial stewardship by differentiating between viral and bacterial infections.
