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Review
. 2024 Sep 30;39(5):e667.
doi: 10.5001/omj.2024.111. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Palivizumab for the Prophylaxis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease: Expert Opinion and Recommendations for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region

Adel S Alharbi  1 , Abdul Rahman Alnemri  2 , Ahmed Abushahin  3 , Entesar Alhammadi  4   5   6 , Huda Sulaiman Mohammed AlDhanhani  7   8 , Laila Obaid  9 , Mahmoud Saleh ElHalik  10 , Mariam Kh Ayed  11
Affiliations
Review

Palivizumab for the Prophylaxis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease: Expert Opinion and Recommendations for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region

Adel S Alharbi et al. Oman Med J. .

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection poses a significant health threat to infants and young children. Considering the substantial burden in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, prevention of RSV remains a major public health priority. Globally, palivizumab prophylaxis has proven effective in reducing hospitalization and preventing complications in high-risk infants. While several national-level recommendations have been developed for palivizumab prophylaxis, few countries follow external guidelines due to a lack of regional directives. For effective RSV management, recommendations should be based on regional evidence and local clinical practices. Hence, it is imperative to establish uniform recommendations for palivizumab prophylaxis for the GCC region. We reviewed the literature on RSV prevalence, palivizumab immunoprophylaxis's efficacy, and the optimal timing for initiating RSV immunoprophylaxis programs. Experts were invited to share their insights on disease burden, current immunoprophylaxis practices, barriers to compliance, and strategies to improve adherence to palivizumab prophylaxis. These recommendations are intended to bridge the existing gaps and serve as a unified reference guide for local physicians and those recruiting eligible patients in RSV immunoprophylaxis programs, thus allowing for effective RSV management. This collaborative initiative aims to reduce the overall burden of RSV-related illness in the GCC region by promoting alignment in recommendations and addressing obstacles to compliance.

Keywords: Palivizumab; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Tract Infections.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Referral form to facilitate patient enrollment in the RSV immunoprophylaxis program during COVID-19 pandemic. Permission conveyed through Copyrights Clearance Center.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Expert recommendations to overcome the barriers to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunoprophylaxis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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