Is palivizumab effective as a prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infections in cystic fibrosis patients? A meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Infections by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more severe in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and many CF units use palivizumab as prophylaxis; however, information about palivizumab efficacy in CF patients is almost lacking.


METHODS
A literature search up to December 2012 on the morbidity of RSV bronchiolitis in CF patients and on the safety and efficacy of palivizumab in those patients was performed. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for those studies meeting pre-specified search criteria. Historical controls were allowed.


RESULTS
The number of patients who received palivizumab was 354 and the hospital admission rate was 0.018 (95% CI 0.0077-0.048). The corresponding number in the non-treated groups was 463 patients with an admission rate of 0.126 (95% CI 0.086-0.182) (Q=13.9; p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Palivizumab may have a role in the prevention of severe lower airway infection by RSV in CF patients.
Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" Children's University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain. Electronic address: msolis@um.es.
M
M
Sánchez-Solis
Pediatric Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis Units, "Vall d'Hebron" Children's University Hospital, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
S
S
Gartner
Neonatology Unit, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" Children's University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
V
V
Bosch-Gimenez
Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" Children's University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
L
L
Garcia-Marcos
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D000069455:Palivizumab / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000276:immunology*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000069455:Palivizumab
Admission rate; Bronchiolitis; Cystic fibrosis; Palivizumab; Prophylaxis; Respiratory syncytial virus