[Recommendations for palivizumab use. Update 2015]
, Silvia Fernández Jonusas1, Deleys Albas Maubett
1Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1199ABD, Argentina. silvia.fernandez@hospitalitaliano.org.ar.
Insights
This updated guideline recommends monthly palivizumab injections for vulnerable infants during respiratory syncytial virus season. This monoclonal antibody is proven safe and effective in reducing hospitalizations for lower respiratory infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory infections in infants.
- Premature infants, those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and congenital heart disease are at highest risk.
- Previous recommendations from the Argentinean Pediatrics' Neonatal Committee (CEFEN) were published in 2007.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update recommendations for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory infections.
- To provide guidance on the use of palivizumab for high-risk infants.
- To incorporate current scientific literature and epidemiological data.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature on RSV prevention and palivizumab.
- Analysis of epidemiological data for RSV season in Argentina.
- Consensus development based on evidence and expert opinion.
Main Results:
- Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody, is recommended for high-risk infants.
- A monthly intramuscular dose of 15 mg/kg is advised during the RSV season (April-September).
- Evidence supports the safety, effectiveness, and reduction in hospitalization rates associated with palivizumab.
Conclusions:
- Updated recommendations emphasize palivizumab prophylaxis for vulnerable populations during RSV season.
- General preventive measures, including hand hygiene and family education, remain crucial.
- The guidelines aim to reduce the burden of RSV-related hospitalizations in infants.
Abstract:
This recommendation updates the Argentinean Pediatrics' Neonatal Committee (CEFEN) ones published in 2007. The respiratory syncytial virus is the most frequent agent for lower respiratory infection. Tiny premature, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and significant hemodynamic congenital heart disease babies are the most vulnerable populations. Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against respiratory syncytial virus used in the cold season. These recommendations are based on the scientific review of the literature published up to date. We reinforce the importance of general prevention measures like hand hygiene and family education among others. During the predominant season of respiratory syncytial virus in our country (April to September) a monthly dose of intramuscular 15 mg/kg of palivizumab is recommended. The safety and effectiveness has been proved as well as a reduction in the hospitalizations rates. In addition, epidemiological data of previous years are provided here.
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