Arch Dis Child 2000;83:122-127 ( August )

Article

Hospitalisation for RSV infection in ex-preterm infantsimplications for use of RSV immune globulin Mark Thomas^a, Alison Bedford-Russell^a, Mike Sharland^b

^a Neonatal Unit, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK, ^b Paediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, St George's Hospital

Correspondence to: Dr Bedford-Russell email: alison.bedford-russell{at}ccmail.stgh-tr.sthames.nhs.uk

Accepted 11 April 2000

BACKGROUNDRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) specific immune globulin is now being marketed for prevention of RSV infection in ex-preterm infants. However, there are no published UK data on the morbidity or mortality from RSV in these infants.
AIMSTo determine the morbidity and mortality from RSV infection in a cohort of infants previously treated at a regional neonatal unit, and compare the cost of hospitalisation for RSV with the potential cost of administering RSV immune globulin (RSV-IG) prophylaxis.
METHODSInfants born at a gestation of less than 32 weeks were studied. Details of admissions for respiratory illness in the first two years of life were collected from hospital records, referring hospitals, and general practitioners.
RESULTSData on 82 infants were collected. Up to three RSV seasons were encountered. The hospitalisation rate for confirmed RSV infection for the first season encountered was 4%. Rates of ward and paediatric intensive care unit admission were higher for infants with chronic lung disease. There were no deaths from RSV. RSV-IG would not have been cost effective for most infants.
CONCLUSIONThe morbidity and mortality rates from RSV observed in this group do not support the widespread introduction of RSV-IG prophylaxis for ex-preterm infants.


Keywords: respiratory syncytial virus; RSV prophylaxis; palivizumab; cost effectiveness

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© 2000 by Archives of Disease in Childhood
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Prophylaxis for respiratory syncytial virus infection: missing the target

Robert C Tasker

ADC Online, 2 Nov 2000 [Full text]