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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Recent advances in the management and prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infection

A Greenough1

  • 1Department of Child Health, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK. anne.greenough@kcl.ac.uk

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). Supplement
|May 3, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection poses significant risks, especially for premature infants. Immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab is recommended for high-risk infants to prevent severe illness and reduce healthcare needs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of infant morbidity, particularly in premature infants with chronic lung disease.
  • Current treatments for RSV are primarily supportive, with limited efficacy for bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or Ribavirin.
  • Preventive measures like handwashing are crucial for reducing nosocomial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions, including medications and immunoprophylaxis.
  • To identify the most cost-effective approach for managing RSV in high-risk infant populations.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized trials and clinical studies on RSV interventions.
  • Analysis of data on the efficacy of supportive care, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, Ribavirin, nitric oxide, and exogenous surfactant.
  • Evaluation of immunoprophylaxis options, including palivizumab and RSV immune globulin.

Main Results:

  • Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and Ribavirin have not shown significant benefits in randomized trials.
  • Nitric oxide and exogenous surfactant may aid infants requiring ventilatory support.
  • Palivizumab is the preferred immunoprophylactic agent, reducing hospitalizations and intensive care needs in high-risk infants.

Conclusions:

  • Supportive care remains the cornerstone of RSV management.
  • Immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab is effective and cost-effective when targeted at high-risk infants.
  • There is currently no safe and effective vaccine for infant RSV prevention, highlighting the importance of targeted immunoprophylaxis.

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