Low incidence of respiratory syncytial virus hospitalisations in haemodynamically significant congenital heart disease

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background: Haemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD) is a risk factor for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in young children. Population based data on the incidence of RSV hospitalisations in CHD patients are needed to estimate the potential usefulness of RSV immunoprophylaxis using palivizumab. Aims: (1) To obtain population based RSV hospitalisation rates in children Methods: Six year, longitudinal, population based study at an institution, which is the sole provider of primary to tertiary in-patient care for a precisely defined paediatric population. Results: RSV hospitalisation rates (per 100 child-years) in CHD patients aged Conclusion: RSV hospitalisation rates in CHD patients were fourfold lower than reported from the USA. Based on these low rates and RR, unrestricted use of palivizumab does not appear to be justified in this study area.