[Prednisolone treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infection. A randomized, controlled trial of 147 children].
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to evaluate the effect of systemic prednisolone as an adjunct to conventional treatment with beta 2-agonist, fluid replacement and respiratory support in hospitalized infants younger than 24 months with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.


METHODS
The study was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled. During the winter of 1995-96, 147 infants less than two years of age hospitalized with RSV infection were allocated to treatment with either systemic prednisolone mixture 2 mg/kg daily or placebo for 5 days.


RESULTS
Our main outcome measures were: 1. Acute effect variables: duration of stay in hospital, use of medicine and supportive measures while in hospital. 2. At follow-up one month after discharge: duration of illness, start in day care center, morbidity and use of medicine. 3. At follow-up one year after discharge: morbidity, use of medicine and skin prick tests with allergens.


CONCLUSIONS
Prednisolone treatment had no effect on any of the outcome measures. We find our results in agreement with the largest studies reported earlier; therefore, corticosteroid, whether by systemic route or by inhalation, should not be prescribed to infants with RSV infection.
Bülow
S L
SL
Paediatrisk afdeling, Amtssygehuset i Gentofte. intersus@dadlnet.dk
Nir
M
M
Levin
E F
EF
Friis
B
B
Thomsen
L L
LL
Nielsen
J E
JE
Holm
J C
JC
Pedersen
T M
TM
Bonde-Hansen
M B
MB
Nielsen
H E
HE
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011239:Prednisolone