Alberta study shows ‘reassuring’ trends in childhood hospitalization patterns post-pandemic
A recent study conducted by the University of Calgary has shed light on the impact of pandemic-related measures on pediatric hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses in Alberta. The study, published in the Lancet Regional Health – Americas, analyzed over 52,000 hospitalizations for common respiratory diseases over a 14-year period, ending in August 2024.
Lead author Dr. Jim Kellner, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist, explained that the study revealed significant fluctuations in hospitalizations during different phases of the pandemic. Following the implementation of public health measures such as masking and school closures, there was a 91% decrease in pediatric hospitalizations during the winter of 2020-21. However, during the 2022-23 respiratory virus season, there was a surge in hospitalizations, with rates reaching 48% above pre-pandemic levels.
The study identified bronchiolitis, often caused by RSV, as a key driver of the increase in hospitalizations during the “triple-demic” season, which saw hospitals overwhelmed with cases of RSV, influenza, and COVID-19. Concerns were raised about the long-term effects of reduced exposure to common infections on children’s immunity and the unpredictability of future infection patterns.
Despite these concerns, the researchers found that by the winter of 2023-24, pediatric hospitalizations had returned to pre-pandemic levels. The average age of admitted children remained consistent, and there was no significant increase in the severity of illness compared to previous years. This suggests that any increased susceptibility to infections related to pandemic measures had resolved by the study period.
Dr. Jesse Papenburg, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, emphasized the importance of the study in understanding the impact of pandemic measures on respiratory illnesses in children. He highlighted the need for continued monitoring of trends and the importance of vaccination against diseases like RSV and influenza.
The findings of the study provide valuable insights for health system planning, particularly in anticipating seasonal peaks and demand for pediatric respiratory care. Overall, the study underscores the resilience of the pediatric population in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and highlights the need for ongoing vigilance in protecting children from respiratory illnesses.
