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).
Conclusion: Palivizumab may have a role in the prevention of severe lower airway infection by RSV in CF patients.
Keywords: Admission rate; Bronchiolitis; Cystic fibrosis; Palivizumab; Prophylaxis; Respiratory syncytial virus.
Copyright © 2013 SEICAP. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.