Delayed Diagnosis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Hospitalized Adults: Individual Patient Data, Record Review Analysis and Physician Survey in the United States

BACKGROUND: Despite the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults hospitalized with acute respiratory infections, guidelines for the diagnosis and management of RSV have not been established. This analysis evaluated the role and timeliness of RSV diagnostic testing and its potential impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: We analyzed individual patient data from hospitalized adults with confirmed RSV infections during 2 North American RSV seasons. Participating physicians reported clinical, virologic diagnosis, and outcome variables using a standardized online case form. RESULTS: Across 32 US states, 132 physicians reported 379 RSV cases. Polymerase chain reaction–based diagnostics were the most common type of test ordered (94.2%) with <5% ordered specifically to diagnose RSV. Most tests (67.6%) were ordered in hospital wards or intensive care units. Overall, 47.4%, 30.9%, and 21.7% of patients had RSV diagnosed <12, 12‒24, and >24 hours after hospital admission, respectively. Later diagnosis was associated with longer hospital stays (n = 145; R = +0.191; P < .05) and greater antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of RSV infection in hospitalized adults is often delayed, which may affect clinical management and outcomes. Our findings indicate the need to improve the diagnostic strategies in this patient population.