An infant born at 28 weeks gestation with bronchopulmonary dysplasia is being discharged home in early November. The paediatrician plans prophylaxis against respiratory syncytial virus infection. What is the appropriate regimen?
- A Oral ribavirin daily throughout winter
- B Monthly intramuscular palivizumab throughout the RSV season ✓
- C Single dose of RSV immunoglobulin at discharge
- D Weekly oral oseltamivir until spring
Correct answer: B. Monthly intramuscular palivizumab throughout the RSV season
Explanation
Palivizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody directed against the fusion (F) protein of RSV, given as 15 mg/kg intramuscularly once monthly for up to 5 months covering the RSV season, indicated for infants born before 29 weeks gestation, those under 1 year with haemodynamically significant congenital heart disease, and children under 2 years with chronic lung disease of prematurity requiring recent therapy. Ribavirin is not used for prophylaxis and oseltamivir targets influenza only.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.