Examining the impact of COVID-19 on RSV-related emergency visits in children
Impact of Covid-19 on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Seasonality and Disease Severity in UK Children (BronchStart)
This study looks at how COVID-19 affected emergency visits for bronchiolitis and RSV in young children to see what might happen as restrictions ease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 3000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 0 Years to 2 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospitals, Leicester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leicester) |
| Trial ID | NCT04959734 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of bronchiolitis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) presentations in emergency departments. It focuses on children under two years of age who exhibit symptoms of bronchiolitis or lower respiratory tract infections. The study aims to understand how the absence of RSV during the pandemic may influence future cases as restrictions are lifted. By analyzing emergency department visits, the research seeks to provide insights into the potential resurgence of bronchiolitis in the post-pandemic period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children under two years old presenting with symptoms of bronchiolitis or lower respiratory tract infections.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of recurrent wheeze responsive to bronchodilators may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help healthcare providers better prepare for and manage bronchiolitis cases in children as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
How similar studies have performed: While this study addresses a novel situation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, similar studies in Australia have shown significant changes in RSV patterns, indicating potential relevance.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: i) Children under two years of age presenting to participating emergency departments with clinical features of: * Bronchiolitis (cough, tachypnoea or chest recession, and wheeze or crackles on chest auscultation) or * Lower Respiratory Tract infection or * Afirst episode of acute viral wheeze. Exclusion Criteria: i) Children with previous episodes of wheeze responsive to bronchodilator (suggesting an underlying diagnosis of recurrent wheeze of early childhood)
Where this trial is running
Leicester
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust — Leicester, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Damian Roland, BMBS PhD — University Hospitals, Leicester
- Study coordinator: Damian Roland, BMBS PhD
- Email: dr98@leicester.ac.uk
- Phone: 07950891367
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.