Cost of RSV-associated ALRI management in young children at the regional and global level – A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Shanshan Zhang, Lily Zainal Akmar, Freddie Bailey, Barbara A Rath, Maren Alchikh, Brunhilde Schweiger, Marilla G Lucero, Leilani T Nillos, Moe H Kyaw, Alexia Kieffer, Sabine Tong, Harry Campbell, Philippe Beutels, Harish Nair.


Abstract

Background
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in young children aged <5 years.

Methods
We aimed to identify the global inpatient and outpatient cost of management of RSV-ALRI in young children to assist health policy makers in making decisions related to resource allocation for interventions to reduce severe morbidity and mortality from RSV in this age group. We searched 3 electronic databases including Global Health, Medline, and EMBASE for studies reporting cost data on RSV management in children under 60 months from 2000 to 2017. Unpublished data on the management cost of RSV episodes were collected through collaboration with an international working group (RSV GEN) and claim databases.

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