RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS IMMUNE GLOBULIN INTRAVENOUS - INDICATIONSFOR USE

Respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin intravenous (RSV-IGIV) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the prev ention of severe RSV infections in infants and children younger than 2 4 months with bronchopulmonary dysplasia or a history of premature bir th (less than or equal to 35 weeks of gestation). RSV-IGIV administere d monthly during the RSV season resulted in a 41% to 65% reduction in hospitalization rates in two clinical trials; however, RSV-IGIV is cos tly, and intravenous administration can be logistically demanding. RSV -IGIV should be considered for infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who are receiving or have received oxygen therapy in the past 6 month s. Infants with gestational ages of 32 weeks or less may also benefit clinically from RSV-IGIV prophylaxis. Immunization with measles-contai ning vaccines should be delayed for 9 months after the last dose of RS V-IGIV, but no changes need to be made for all other routinely adminis tered vaccines. RSV-IGIV has not been approved for use in children wit h congenital heart disease, and available data indicate that RSV-IGIV should not be administered to children with cyanotic congenital heart disease because of safety concerns.