Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is increasingly recognized as a major cause of severe lower respiratory tract disease in older adults, yet its clinical presentation and outcomes remain under-characterized in Southern European populations. This study presents comprehensive data on the clinical features and short-term outcomes of 166 elderly patients (≥65 years) admitted with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection across three tertiary hospitals in Portugal, Italy, and Cyprus during the winter seasons of 2017–2018. Patient demographics revealed a mean age of 80.9 ± 8.7 years, with 38% male and 9.6% current smokers. The most prevalent comorbidities included chronic heart failure (45.2%), chronic kidney disease (23.5%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma (38.6%), and diabetes (33.1%). Radiological pneumonia was detected in 29.5% of cases at admission, consistent with previous reports indicating moderate to high prevalence among hospitalized elderly. Noninvasive ventilation was required in 16.3% of patients, while invasive mechanical ventilation was needed in 4.PTGES2 Antibody custom synthesis 2%.EphA2 Proteinsupplier Notably, survival rates among those receiving NIV or invasive support were 74.PMID:34951709 1% and 57.1%, respectively. The average hospital stay was 11.8 days, and inhospital mortality reached 12.1%, with higher rates observed in the oldest cohort (14.3% for those aged ≥85). Multivariable analysis confirmed that CKD independently increased the risk of pneumonia, OSA or OHS and CKD were strong predictors of NIV use, and male sex, solid neoplasm, and OSA or OHS significantly elevated the risk of death. These findings emphasize that RSV severity in the elderly is not solely age-dependent but driven by underlying chronic conditions. The lack of association between age and outcomes challenges assumptions about uniform vulnerability across older age groups and suggests heterogeneity in frailty, functional status, and comorbidity profiles. Despite limitations such as absence of detailed frailty scoring, body mass index assessment, and post-discharge follow-up, this study offers critical insights into the real-world burden of RSV in Southern Europe. It supports the urgent need for improved surveillance, early diagnostic tools, and preventive strategies—including vaccination and antiviral therapies—to reduce morbidity and mortality in vulnerable elderly populations.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com
