Prevention of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection in the pediatric population in Mexico: Position of a group of experts

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the agent that causes more hospitalizations and deaths due to lower acute respiratory infection. Its distribution is widespread, and almost every child has been infected by the age of two years. Different risk populations have been identified: preterm newborns (NB), children with congenital heart disease, bronchopulmonary dyspla-sia, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, asthmatics, neuromuscular diseases, among others. However, preterm NBs, children with congenital heart disease or bronchopulmonary dysplasia show higher rates of hospitalization and death from RSV. In the late 90s, monoclonal antibodies against RSV were developed, with demonstrated efficacy and safety for the prevention of RSV hospitalizations in these populations. Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this therapy for the prevention of severe infection in the population at higher risk. Economic evaluations have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of immunization, resulting favorable for palivizumab. Immunization in Mexico has resulted cost-effective in NBs under 32 gestation weeks. Mexican authorities should discuss the inclusion of palivizumab in their clinical guidelines.