| Several other clinical metanalyses have been written that look at the use of palivizumab (Synagis) in the treatment of RSV. Two, of note, are mentioned below. Both review the history of RSV; both discuss new treatment strategy options. |
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Study 3 Citation: Garzon LS, Wiles L.
Management of respiratory syncytial virus with lower respiratory tract
infection in infants and children. School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 3529, USA. lgarzon@odu.edu |
Click on the link at left to go to your desired page: Introduction Page 2 Page 3 Study 1 Study 2 Study 3 Study 4 Conclusion Implications for Social Workers Post-Test
Abstract:
Lower respiratory tract infections are caused more
often by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children requiring
hospitalization then any other malady. Children with chronic disease are at
the highest risk for RSV infection, particularly those with lung, cardiac or
neuromuscular conditions.
Several treatment strategies have been developed that have had mixed results. Bronchodialators have demonstrated short-term benefit, while antiviral therapy can be used for particularly high-risk patients. Coricosteroids have shown some effectiveness in moderate-to-severe RSV, and monoclonal antibodies can sometimes achieve passive immunity for those patients at greatest risk. Prophylaxis is possible, note the authors, in the form of palivizumab (Synagis), given intramuscularly each month during the RSV season, typically November through April.
Key words:
Respiratory syncytial virus, lower respiratory infection
A lot has been written about palivizumab since it burst onto the scene. It is currently the therapy of choice with regard to RSV, and for good reason. With an enviable success record and easy administration, palivizumab has been a good fit in the severe RSV market.
RSV is seen as a major cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and young children with the highest morbidity in very young infants. And while the authors point out that most infants have been infected by RSV at the age of two years, nearly 50% contract the disease. palivizumab is very effective at reducing this percentage, regardless of the administration methodology (in home or in office). Passive immunity is the goal with palivizumab treatment, and monthly injections are a safe and effective method. This study does not address the financial impact of RSV on the families of those afflicted with the disease, but it does point to the appropriateness of palivizumab as treatment option of choice, and the fact that RSV can, and should be treated as an avoidable illness as opposed to a life threatening disease.