Palivizumab for prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infections in preterm neonates

Recent data indicate that the number of children cared for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in hospitals is in the range of 50,000 to 100,000 per year in the United States [3]. Major risk factors include apart from prematurity specifically below 29 weeks, congenital heart defects, Down syndrome and further congenital anomalies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended in 2014 a restriction of Palivizumab prophylaxis to preterm infants of <29 weeks of gestation and those with a high-risk course postnatally and higher gestational ages apart from specific indications resulting from congenital anomalies including congenital heart defects [1].

• Literatur

• 1 Updated guidance for palivizumab prophylaxis among infants and young children at increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection. Pediatrics 2014; 134: e620-e638
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