Reassessment of the indications for ribavirin therapy in respiratory syncytial virus infections. (American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases)

The purpose of this statement is to inform practitioners about new information concerning lack of demonstrated clinical effectiveness of ribavirin in the treatment of infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. The intent of the new recommendation is to allow practitioners to decide whether ribavirin therapy is appropriate or not by taking into account the particular clinical situation and their own preferences. More definitive answers to the questions of ribavirin efficacy and effectiveness will require multi-institutional, prospective, randomized clinical trials. Recommendations may be modified as new information becomes available.