Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the perception of US pediatric specialists of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease risk and determine their clinical practices regarding immunoprophylaxis for high-risk children. Separate surveys were sent to neonatologists, pediatricians, pediatric pulmonologists, and pediatric cardiologists. Data were collected using structured questions requiring quantitative responses. Most neonatologists and pediatricians (>82.7%) reported a high clinical need for RSV immunoprophylaxis in preterm infants <32 weeks' gestational age. Pediatric pulmonologists and pediatric cardiologists suggested that health conditions indicative of chronic lung disease of prematurity and hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease, respectively, confer eligibility for RSV immunoprophylaxis. Agreement with the changes in the 2014 American Academy of Pediatrics guidance for RSV immunoprophylaxis was mixed among respondents from the 4 specialties. Survey findings may provide a basis to improve education about risk for severe RSV disease and evaluate changes in physician use of RSV immunoprophylaxis based on the 2014 guidance.
Highlights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children and is associated with substantial childhood morbidity.[1]
Palivizumab has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency of hospitalizations resulting from severe RSV disease in preterm infants and high-risk children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)/chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLDP) or hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease
This study investigated current clinical practice surrounding RSV immunoprophylaxis use among neonatologists, pediatricians, pediatric pulmonologists, and pediatric cardiologists
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children and is associated with substantial childhood morbidity.[1] Severe RSV disease, a major cause of hospitalization among infants and young children, is associated with an increased risk of respiratory morbidity during childhood.[2,3] the prevention of severe RSV disease is a key component of pediatric care among high-risk children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidance on appropriate preventive measures to help reduce the risk of RSV-related morbidity.[4,5]. In July 2014, the AAP issued updated guidance for RSV immunoprophylaxis use among these high-risk patient groups.[4]
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