Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections and causes up to 200,000 infant deaths a year worldwide. The average rate of hospitalization for severe RSV infection is 5 per 1000 children, and the rate is three-times higher in those with congenital heart disease (CHD). Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody, reduces hospitalization rates and intensive care admissions. It is used prophylactically and is administered as monthly doses during the RSV season. Hemodynamically unstable CHD is the most susceptible CHD to a severe episode of RSV infection.
This review explores current evidence surrounding therapies, patterns of infection and identifies groups which may still be vulnerable to severe RSV infection.
Data taken from [Citation16].
Reproduced with permission from [Citation39].
Author contributions
Both authors contributed to the writing, reviewing and submission.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
Professor RMR Tulloh has received lecture fees from Abbvie. No commercial involvement was connected to this study at any stage. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.