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Hospitalisation for RSV infection in ex-preterm infants-implications for use of RSV immune globulin

M Thomas1, A Bedford-Russell, M Sharland

  • 1Neonatal Unit, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

This study found low rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) related hospitalizations and no deaths in ex-preterm infants in the UK. The findings do not support widespread use of RSV immune globulin (RSV-IG) prophylaxis.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) specific immune globulin (RSV-IG) is available for preventing RSV infection in ex-preterm infants.
  • Limited UK data exist on RSV morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess RSV-related morbidity and mortality in ex-preterm infants in the UK.
  • To compare the hospitalization costs of RSV with the cost-effectiveness of RSV-IG prophylaxis.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 82 infants born before 32 weeks gestation was studied over up to three RSV seasons.
  • Hospital records, referring hospitals, and general practitioners provided data on respiratory illness admissions within the first two years of life.

Main Results:

  • The hospitalization rate for confirmed RSV infection was 4% in the first season.
  • Infants with chronic lung disease had higher rates of ward and pediatric intensive care unit admissions.
  • No deaths attributed to RSV were recorded; RSV-IG prophylaxis was not cost-effective for most infants.

Conclusions:

  • Observed RSV morbidity and mortality rates in ex-preterm infants do not support the broad implementation of RSV-IG prophylaxis.
  • Further research may be needed to identify specific subgroups that could benefit from prophylaxis.
Abstract

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