Rate of palivizumab administration in accordance with current recommendations among hospitalized children.
BACKGROUND
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends palivizumab prophylaxis for children born premature or with chronic lung disease to reduce the severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The purpose of the current study is to examine palivizumab administration among children hospitalized with RSV infection.


METHODS
This is a retrospective medical record review at a tertiary care children's hospital. The study included children <2 years of age hospitalized between October 1, 2000, and April 1, 2001, with the diagnosis of RSV infection.


RESULTS
The records of 264 children meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Forty children qualified for administration of palivizumab using American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. Of these, 14 (35%) received palivizumab prior to admission. Palivizumab administration rate was not affected by age, race, or insurance coverage.


CONCLUSIONS
Exact barriers to the administration of palivizumab remain unclear. The identification of high-risk children, prevention of RSV by use of palivizumab, and collaboration between hospital and community health care providers will help increase the use of palivizumab and decrease the incidence of RSV.
Moynihan
James A
JA
Department of Emergency Medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center & Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda, Calif, USA.
Kim
Tommy Y
TY
Young
Tammy
T
Checchia
Paul A
PA
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002140:California; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D000069455:Palivizumab; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000592:standards; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000069455:Palivizumab