Is immunization with palivizumab really effective in high-risk children?
Marjana Jerković Raguž1, Tomica Božić2, Tamara Nikše3
1Department of Neonatology. Clinic for Children's Diseases, University Clinical Hospital Mostar. Bosnia and Herzegovina Serbia.
Journal of Mother and Child
|February 22, 2023
Summary
Palivizumab prophylaxis effectively reduced hospital readmissions for respiratory issues in at-risk infants over 14 years. This study tracked immunized children, finding consistent effectiveness of palivizumab (RSV antibody) despite increased usage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant threat to high-risk infants.
- Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody used for RSV prophylaxis in specific infant populations.
- Long-term data on palivizumab effectiveness and infant characteristics is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the characteristics of infants receiving palivizumab over a 15-year period.
- To assess hospital readmission rates for respiratory tract infections in this cohort.
- To determine the long-term efficacy of palivizumab prophylaxis in a real-world setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study from October 2008 to March 2022.
- Inclusion of 222 infants meeting strict palivizumab immunization criteria.
- Analysis of infant demographics, risk factors, and hospital readmission data.
Main Results:
- The study cohort included 222 infants: 55.9% preterm (<32 weeks), 31.1% with congenital heart defects, and 13.1% with other risk factors.
- 17.1% of infants were readmitted to the pulmonary ward.
- Only one infant tested positive for RSV upon readmission, indicating low RSV-specific infections.
Conclusions:
- Palivizumab prophylaxis demonstrated sustained effectiveness in reducing respiratory hospitalizations for at-risk infants in the studied region.
- Despite an increase in the number of immunized infants, readmission rates for respiratory disorders remained stable.
- Consistent immunization protocols underscore the reliable protective effect of palivizumab over 14 years.
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