Association Between RSV Infection and Later Wheezing in Japanese Children

Strategic Insights -

A new study from Tohoku University in Japan has found a significant association between hospitalization due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and later wheezing in children. The study, which utilized data from the TMM BirThree Cohort Study, analyzed hospitalization histories of 7340 children and found that hospitalization under 2 years of age for RSV infection, non-RSV respiratory infections, and respiratory-related disorders were associated with a higher risk of later wheezing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 7340 children and was conducted under the TMM BirThree Cohort Study, which is part of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study.
  • The association between hospitalization history and later wheezing was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusting for covariates such as gestational age, birth weight, and maternal education.
  • The study found that hospitalization under 2 years of age for RSV infection was associated with a 2.78 times higher risk of later wheezing (95% CI = 1.97-3.88).
  • Hospitalization under 2 years of age for non-RSV respiratory infections was associated with a 2.61 times higher risk of later wheezing (95% CI = 1.44-4.57).
  • Hospitalization under 2 years of age for respiratory-related disorders was associated with a 3.33 times higher risk of later wheezing (95% CI = 2.43-4.54).
  • The study concluded that hospitalization of children under 2 years of age for RSV infection, non-RSV respiratory infections, and respiratory-related disorders were associated with subsequent wheezing.

Statistics:

  • The study included 7340 participants.
  • The odds ratio (OR) for wheezing associated with hospitalization under 2 years of age for RSV infection was 2.78 (95% CI = 1.97-3.88).
  • The OR for wheezing associated with hospitalization under 2 years of age for non-RSV respiratory infections was 2.61 (95% CI = 1.44-4.57).
  • The OR for wheezing associated with hospitalization under 2 years of age for respiratory-related disorders was 3.33 (95% CI = 2.43-4.54).
  • The study was conducted under the TMM BirThree Cohort Study, which is a three-generation cohort study that aims to explore the relationship between early life exposures and later-life health outcomes.

Sources:

  • Tohoku University. (2025). Respiratory syncytial virus infection, non-respiratory syncytial virus respiratory infections, and later wheezing. Pediatrics International, 67(1).
  • Shinoda, G., et al. (2025). Hospitalization under 2 years of age for RSV infection, non-RSV respiratory infections, and respiratory-related disorders were associated with subsequent wheezing. Pediatrics International, 67(1).
  • Tsuchiya, N., et al. (2025). The TMM BirThree Cohort Study: A three-generation cohort study exploring the relationship between early life exposures and later-life health outcomes. Pediatrics International, 67(1).
  • NewsRx. (2025). Tohoku University Reports Findings in Respiratory Syncytial Viruses (Respiratory syncytial virus infection, non-respiratory syncytial virus respiratory infections, and later wheezing). Pediatrics Week, 652.