Linking Provincial and Prospective Cohort Study Data to Estimate the Incidence and Healthcare Burden of Viral Gastroenteritis
Abstract
IntroductionAcute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a major cause of morbidity in children. While viruses are known to cause the largest proportion of illnesses, slow adoption of new technology and recommendations against routine testing have blunted our ability to estimate the impact of viral AGE on the health system.
Objectives and ApproachOur objective was to quantify the incidence of medically-attended norovirus and other viral AGE etiologic agents as a baseline for future norovirus vaccination programs. AGE cases were identified through the Alberta Provincial Pediatric EnTeric Infection TEam (APPETITE) study, December 2014-December 2017, which tested participants for five viruses: rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, and sapovirus. Study data was linked to provincial health registry data to identify visits associated with the AGE episode. Comparable visits for children throughout the province were identified, and a comprehensive set of potential confounders was evaluated and used to standardize APPETITE rates to the Alberta population.
ResultsAPPETITE received and tested specimens from 2,358 children with AGE presenting to the emergency department (ED) for care and 513 children with AGE whose parent or guardian called the provincial health advice line Health Link (HL). Norovirus was the most commonly detected pathogen, associated with 579 (24%) ED cases and 177 (19%) HL cases. After norovirus, the most common viruses were, in descending order: adenovirus (441 ED, 97…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 2,358 participants or records.
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