Questions Remain About Nirsevimab ’ s Impact

The new monoclonal antibody nirsevimab may radically change incidence and outcomes for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in young pediatric patients, especially when combined with the impact of the new RSV vaccine approved in pregnancy. However, many questions remain about the implementation of nirsevimab in the 2023-24 RSV season and its more long-term impacts. Current impact of pediatric RSV Dr. Shah “RSV is the most common diagnosis pediatric hospitalists see over the winter months,” said Samir S. Shah, (@SamirShahMD), MD, MSCE, MHM, vice chair of clinical affairs and education at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Hospital Medicine, and pediatric hospital medicine and infectious diseases physician. “RSV typically occurs in infants and children less than two years of age, with the most severe illness occurring in infants less than six months.” No direct treatment is available, but very young children with severe disease may require hospitalization for supportive care such as oxygen and intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent mortality. In most of the U.S., the RSV season runs from the beginning of October through the end of March. Andrea R. Hadley, (@AndreaHadleyMD), MD, FAAP, FHM, is chief of acute care pediatric medicine at Cornell Health/Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. She pointed out that pediatric RSV infections can significantly strain hospital resources and contribute to staff burnout,...
Source: The Hospitalist - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Clinical Clinical Guidelines Drug Therapy Hospital Medicine Neonatal Medicine Patient Care Pediatrics Preventive Care Vaccines Source Type: research