@article{article_1759588, title={Epidemiology of viral respiratory tract infections in pediatric ICU: a single-center study in Turkiye}, journal={Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine}, volume={8}, pages={1099–1104}, year={2025}, DOI={10.32322/jhsm.1759588}, author={Gülyüz, Abdulgani and Poyraz, Nazan and Yaldız Ataş, Sıla}, keywords={Çocuk yoğun bakım, viral etkenler, rinovirüs, respiratuvar sinsityal virüs, komorbidite}, abstract={Aims: This study aims to evaluate the distribution of viral agents and their relationship with clinical parameters in pediatric patients with respiratory tract infections in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of MALATYA Training and Research Hospital during 2024. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 257 patients admitted to the PICU with a prediagnosis of respiratory tract infection between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Nasopharyngeal swab samples obtained from the patients were analyzed by multiplex PCR method. Demographic data, laboratory data and clinical course of the patients were recorded and statistical analysis was performed. Results: The most common viral agents were rhinovirus/enterovirus (36.6%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (31.5%). The comorbidity rate was 38.1%. RSV infections were associated with significantly longer ICU stay compared to rhinovirus (mean 6.8 days vs. 4.3 days in the rhinovirus group, p=0.008). According to multiple regression analysis, age, CRP level and presence of comorbidities were determined as factors that significantly affected the length of stay (p <0.05). Conclusion: Rhinovirus/enterovirus and RSV are the most common viral respiratory tract agents in PICU patients. RSV infection is associated with longer hospitalization. Elevated CRP and the presence of comorbid diseases also negatively affect the clinical course. These findings emphasize the importance of rapid diagnosis and consideration of risk factors in pediatric intensive care management.}, number={6}, publisher={MediHealth Academy Yayıncılık}