title: Ribavirin aerosol treatment of serious respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants.
abstract: Bronchiolitis is one of the most serious pulmonary infections commonly caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV disease occurs in yearly epidemics and is most severe in children 1 year of age or younger. Approximately 1 in 50 to 1 in 100 infants are hospitalized after their first infection, and mortality fluctuates between 0.5 and 5.0 per cent. Patients with underlying conditions such as congenital heart disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality. Methods for rapid diagnosis of RSV infection and the advent of specific therapy with aerosolized ribavirin have revolutionized the management of hospitalized patients with moderate to severe disease. A 3- to 5-day course of ribavirin plus supportive measures should be used in infants who prove to be infected by RSV and who are deteriorating on traditional supportive therapy, and/or who have underlying cardiac and/or pulmonary or immune defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital National Medical Center, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Parrott
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses; D010253:Respirovirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012263:Ribonucleosides / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D012263:Ribonucleosides; D012254:Ribavirin