Respiratory syncytial virus infection in preterm infants and the protective effects of RSV immune globulin . (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin Study Group)

Intravenous immune globulin treatment may protect premature infants from lower respiratory tract infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Premature infants are extremely vulnerable to RSV infections because they have been born before the mother can pass along her immunities. It was thought that periodic RSV immune globulin (RSVIG) treatment during the winter colds and flu season might prove protective. A group of 116 infants born before 35 weeks gestation were randomly assigned either to monthly intravenous infusions with high-dose RSVIG, or to no RSVIG. The total incidence of RSV infection in the treated group was 7% versus 24% in the untreated group. The incidence of moderate-to-severe RSV infection was 2% versus 17%. The incidence of hospitalization for RSV infection was 7% versus 22%. The time spent in intensive care was one day in the treated group versus 30 days in the untreated group. Five percent of the treated group experienced adverse reactions, all of which were successfully treated.