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. 2010 Aug;56(8):769-72.

Palivizumab for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection

Alexander L Rogovik, Bruce Carleton, Alfonso Solimano, Ran D Goldman

Palivizumab for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection

Alexander L Rogovik et al. Can Fam Physician. 2010 Aug.

Abstract
in English, French

Question: Palivizumab, a specific monoclonal antibody for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is available for prevention of pediatric respiratory tract infections. What are the indications for its use and can it be used for treatment of RSV infections?

Answer: Most infants should not be considered for RSV prophylaxis with palivizumab. The drug is approved for use for different indications in different Canadian provinces. The drug should be administered only in the context of infants most vulnerable to severe RSV illness with a high likelihood of hospital admission, particularly in the first 6 months of life. It is not effective in the treatment of RSV disease and it is not approved or recommended for this indication.

QUESTION Le palivizumab, un anticorps monoclonal spécifique contre le virus respiratoire syncitial (VRS), est accessible pour la prévention des infections des voies respiratoires chez l’enfant. Quelles sont les utilisations indiquées et peut-il être utilisé pour traiter les infections au VRS?

RÉPONSE On ne devrait pas envisager de prophylaxie avec du palivizumab pour le VRS chez la plupart des nourrissons. Le médicament est homologué pour différentes indications selon la province canadienne. Le médicament ne devrait être administré qu’aux nourrissons les plus vulnérables à une grave infection au VRS chez qui il y a une forte probabilité d’être admis à l’hôpital, en particulier durant les 6 premiers mois de la vie. Il n’est pas efficace dans le traitement d’une maladie causée par le VRS et il n’est ni approuvé ni recommandé pour cet usage.

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References

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