Respiratory virus prophylaxis in congenital heart disease

Manjiri Joshi, Robert M.R. Tulloh*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)417-425
Number of pages9
JournalFuture Cardiology
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2018

Keywords

  • congenital heart disease
  • immunoprophylaxis
  • palivizumab
  • respiratory syncytial virus
  • vaccine

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