Analysis of tidal lung function characteristics in the recovery period of neonates with respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia
Du Weina, Gao Shuqiang, Zhang Xiaolong, Lin Liping, Ju Rong
Department of Neonatology, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, The Affiliated Women’s and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, Chengdu 611731, China
Objective To explore the tidal lung function characteristics in the recovery period of neonates with respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 96 neonates with community-acquired pneumonia who were admitted to the Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China from November 2023 to February 2024. Based on the results of sputum nucleic acid testing within 48 h of admission, they
were divided into RSV pneumonia group (n=48) and non-RSV pneumonia group (n=48). Children with
RSV pneumonia were divided into preterm and full-term infants. Preterm infants with RSV pneumonia were
further categorized into those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and those without BPD. The results
of tidal lung function detection of the groups were compared during the recovery period. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent samples t-test and χ 2 test. Results The time to peak tidal expiratory flow/total expiratory time (tPEF/tE) and volume to peak expiratory flow/expired tidal volume (VPEF/Vt) in the RSV pneumonia group were lower than those in the non-RSV pneumonia group [(33.79±10.58)% vs (39.29±10.79)%, (33.97±8.88)% vs (38.60±9.71)%, respectively; all P<0.05]. In the RSV pneumonia group, the tPEF/tE and VPEF/Vt in preterm infants were lower than those in full-term infants [(24.99±6.15)% vs (32.31±8.83)%, (26.99±5.64)% vs (32.28±7.86)%, all P<0.05]. Additionally, compared with preterm infants without BPD, the tPEF/tE and VPEF/Vt of preterm infants with RSV pneumonia and BPD during the recovery period were significantly lower [(27.16±1.64)% vs (20.30±2.66)%, (28.64±5.78)% vs (23.42±2.01)%, all P<0.05]. Conclusion Neonates with RSV pneumonia, particularly preterm infants and those with BPD, face an increased likelihood of obstructive ventilatory dysfunction during the recovery period compared to neonates with non-RSV pneumonia. Clinicians should reinforce pulmonary function testing and long-term follow-up for neonates with RSV pneumonia, especially for preterm infants and children with BPD.
2026, Vol. 14 
