Is palivizumab effective as a prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infections in cystic fibrosis patients? A meta-analysis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Infections by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more severe in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and many CF units use palivizumab as prophylaxis; however, information about palivizumab efficacy in CF patients is almost lacking.

METHODS:

A literature search up to December 2012 on the morbidity of RSV bronchiolitis in CF patients and on the safety and efficacy of palivizumab in those patients was performed. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for those studies meeting pre-specified search criteria. Historical controls were allowed.

RESULTS:

The number of patients who received palivizumab was 354 and the hospital admission rate was 0.018 (95% CI 0.0077-0.048). The corresponding number in the non-treated groups was 463 patients with an admission rate of 0.126 (95% CI 0.086-0.182) (Q=13.9; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Palivizumab may have a role in the prevention of severe lower airway infection by RSV in CF patients.

• Authors: M Sánchez-Solis, S Gartner, V Bosch-Gimenez, L Garcia-Marcos
• Journal: Allergologia et immunopathologia (Allergol Immunopathol (Madr)) 2015 May-Jun Vol. 43 Issue 3 Pg. 298-303 ISSN: 1578-1267 [Electronic] Singapore
• PMID: 24231153 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 SEICAP. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Palivizumab

Topics

• Animals
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cystic Fibrosis (complications, drug therapy)
• Hospitalization
• Humans
• Palivizumab (therapeutic use)
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections (etiology, prevention & control)
• Respiratory Syncytial Viruses (immunology)