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Respiratory syncytial virus immunoprophylaxis: an underutilized preventive strategy in children with Down syndrome

Lin Ammar1, Rees Lee2, Christian Rosas-Salazar3

  • 1Vanderbilt University Graduate School, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.

Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine
|December 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunoprophylaxis can significantly reduce illness in infants. Children with Down syndrome (DS) may particularly benefit from these preventive strategies, improving their quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in young children globally.
  • Early-life RSV LRTI can lead to lasting lung and immune system damage, increasing risks for future respiratory problems.
  • Children with Down syndrome (DS) face higher risks of severe RSV due to airway issues, immune differences, and heart conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of RSV LRTI in children with DS.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of RSV immunoprophylaxis in this population.
  • To explore the long-term public health benefits of RSV prevention in DS.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE.
  • Review of evidence on RSV burden, sequelae, and immunoprophylaxis efficacy.
  • Analysis of health-related quality of life improvements.

Main Results:

  • New RSV prophylactic agents are highly effective in preventing RSV LRTI in infants and high-risk children.
  • Children with DS may experience reduced respiratory and non-respiratory disease burden with immunoprophylaxis.
  • Preventive strategies can enhance overall quality of life for children with DS.

Conclusions:

  • RSV immunoprophylaxis offers significant benefits for infants, especially those with Down syndrome.
  • Preventive measures can mitigate the severe impact of RSV LRTI in children with DS.
  • Widespread use of RSV immunoprophylaxis can improve long-term health outcomes and quality of life.
Abstract

Keywords:
Down syndromehealth-related quality of lifeimmunoprophylaxislower respiratory tract infectionmaternal vaccinerespiratory healthrespiratory syncytial virus

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