Rate of palivizumab administration in accordance with current recommendations among hospitalized children
Abstract
Introduction
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.
Method
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.
Discussion
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.
Reprint requests: James A. Moynihan, DO, Loma Linda University Medical Center and Children's Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, 11234 Anderson St, Room A108, Loma Linda, CA 92354-2804
1 James A. Moynihan is the Assistant Medical Director, Department of Emergency Medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center & Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda, Calif.
2 Tommy Y. Kim is a Senior Fellow, Department of Emergency Medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center & Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, Calif.
3 Tammy Young is a doctoral student (DrPH) at Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Loma Linda, Calif. She is a staff nurse at Loma Linda University Medical Center & Children's Hospital, Pediatric Emergency Department, Loma Linda, Calif, and Chief Flight Nurse for JetWest International Medical Transportation, Van Nuys, Calif.
4 Paul A. Checchia is Director, Divisions of Critical Care Medicine and Cardiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.
ABSTRACT