title: Optimization strategy to minimize wastage of palivizumab during the 2008 RSV season in São Paulo, Brazil.
abstract: Palivizumab is currently recommended to high-risk children as a prophylaxis for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. However, it is still very expensive for developing countries like Brazil. Herein, we describe our strategy to minimize wastage of Palivizumab during the 2008 RSV season. Appointments were fixed for 304 children on 2 days of the week, so that a mean of 19.9 children received Palivizumab per day. That allowed remaining volumes of Palivizumab vials to be pooled and used for other children on the same day within the 6 h period after opening a vial. That strategy saved 26.3% of vials, which represents USD $749,143.75.
authors.forename: Lily Yin
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Weckx
authors.forename: Márcia Monteiro Alves
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: Ana Isabel Melo Pereira
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Monteiro
authors.forename: Alessandra Ramos
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Souza
authors.forename: Maria Isabel de
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Moraes-Pinto
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D000069455:Palivizumab; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; D012621:Seasons
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000069455:Palivizumab