Abstract | INTRODUCTION: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main cause of bronchiolitis in children aged less than 2 years. The effectiveness of palivizumab has recently been reported in several clinical trials. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothetical impact of a treatment strategy using palivizumab for the prevention of bronchiolitis in premature infants. METHODS: Neonates born in our hospital between January 1995 and December 1998 who were admitted for bronchiolitis were included. Using information from the Impact-RSV study, the effects and impact of different cut-off points in the gestational age of the study group were measured. Cost-effectiveness analysis included the cost of hospitalization as well as the direct cost of palivizumab prescriptions. RESULTS: Of 7,766 newborn infants, 56 had a gestational age of < or =32 weeks. Of these, bronchiolitis was diagnosed in eight infants (14.28%), and RSV was isolated in seven (14.28%). After hypothetical prophylaxis in premature infants the best results were obtained in the group with a gestational age of 30 weeks. In this group the relative risk of admission for bronchiolitis was 12.1 (95% CI: 4.8-30.5) and treatment would be required in nine infants to avoid one admission (cost Euros 12,915), with a cost 3.8 times greater than the current cost, without prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of the impact and cost-effectiveness analysis of palivizumab prophylaxis provides a useful method for determining recommendations for the prevention of bronchiolitis in premature infants.
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Authors | S Lapeña López de Armentia, Ma B Robles García, J P Martínez Badás, L Castañón Fernández, J Mallo Castaño, B Herrero Mendoza, E Alvaro Iglesias |
Journal | Anales de pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
(An Pediatr (Barc))
Vol. 59
Issue 4
Pg. 328-33
(Oct 2003)
ISSN: 1695-4033 [Print] Spain |
Vernacular Title | Impacto potencial y análisis coste-eficacia de la profilaxis con palivizumab, en la prevención de bronquiolitis, en prematuros menores de 33 semanas de gestación. |
PMID | 14519303
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Antiviral Agents
- Palivizumab
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Topics |
- Acute Disease
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(economics, therapeutic use)
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Antiviral Agents
(economics, therapeutic use)
- Bronchiolitis
(prevention & control)
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Gestational Age
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Premature, Diseases
(prevention & control)
- Palivizumab
- Retrospective Studies
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