RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS INFECTION AND CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: CLINICAL INSIGHTS AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in young children, often resulting in serious respiratory complications. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the potential cardiovascular complications associated with this infection in pediatric patients. These complications include myocarditis, arrhythmias, and heart failure, which may arise as a direct result of viral dissemination or exacerbated inflammatory responses. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective clinical management and prevention of long-term sequelae. Objective: This study aims to systematically review recent literature on the cardiovascular complications of RSV infection in pediatric patients, exploring relevant clinical insights and management strategies. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA checklist. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted for articles published in the last 10 years, using the descriptors "respiratory syncytial virus", "pediatric patients", "cardiovascular complications", "clinical insights" and "management strategies". Inclusion criteria were: original studies in pediatric patients, focused on cardiovascular complications of RSV. Exclusion criteria included duplicate studies, unrelated to the topic and with non-pediatric samples. Results: The review identified that myocarditis and arrhythmias were the cardiovascular complications most frequently associated with RSV in children. Management strategies included adequate cardiovascular support and specific antiviral therapies, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary intervention. Conclusion: In summary, RSV infection in pediatric patients can trigger significant cardiovascular complications, requiring an integrated clinical approach and close surveillance to optimize outcomes. These insights are crucial to guide clinical practices and future research to improve the management and prognosis of these vulnerable patients.