Table 3

Risk factors for RSV related hospitalisation among preterm (⩽36 weeks gestation) infants under 6 months of age at the onset of each RSV season (1 November) 1996–99

nRSV related hospitalisation, n (%)
*p<0.05.
Overall43630 (6.9)
Gestation
24–32 weeks1209
33–36 weeks31621
Birth weight
⩽1500 g836
>1500 g35324
Sex
Male22913 (5.7)
Female20717 (8.3)
Multiple gestation
Singleton35523 (6.5)
Multiple817 (8.6)
Assisted ventilation*
Yes11114 (12.6)
No32516 (4.9)
Oxygen therapy
⩾28 days434 (9.5)
<28 days39326 (6.6)
Oxygen dependency at 36 weeks of post-menstrual age*
Yes283 (10.7)
No40827 (6.6)
Steroids for chronic lung disease*
Yes343 (9.1)
No40227 (6.7)
Home oxygen therapy*
Yes113 (27.3)
No42527 (6.4)
Discharge from neonatal unit
May–October38827 (7.0)
November–April483 (6.4)