Work

Rationale for full-season dosing for passive antibody prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus

Year: 2013

Type: review

Abstract: Palivizumab monthly injections throughout the RSV season prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in preterm infants ≤ 35 wGA. However, some RSV guidelines currently recommend stopping palivizumab after 3 months of age in the midst of the RSV season. This article evaluates the need for full-season dosing by reviewing the pharmacokinetic properties of palivizumab and RSV hospitalization (RSVH) risk as a function of chronologic age. Precise human palivizumab protective levels are not established. Clinical trials show significant interpatient variability in palivizumab serum trough concentrations. Partial season dosing is associated with increased risk of RSVH. For late-preterm infants, data suggest that the risk of RSVH remains elevated through at least 6 months of age. Monthly, full-season palivizumab dosing provides the only empirically proven protection from RSVH. In conclusion, late-preterm infants are at significant risk for RSVH through at least 6 months of age and would benefit from dosing throughout the RSV season.

Source: Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics

DOI: 10.4161/hv.27426

Authors: Doris Makari, Paul A Checchia, John DeVincenzo

Institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Children’s Foundation, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Language: English

Topic: Respiratory viral infections research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,175