Resumen de Is palivizumab effective as a prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infections in cystic fibrosis patients? A meta-analysis

Manuel Sánchez-Solís de Querol, Silvia Gartner, Vicente María Bosch Giménez, L. García Marcos

• 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.