Reducing the burden of respiratory syncytial virus: An audit of the use of palivizumab prophylaxis in the UK during the September 2001–March 2002 RSV season

Palivizumab has been licensed for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in vulnerable infants in the UK since 1999. To obtain an understanding of the real world use of palivizumab in the UK, an audit was undertaken during the 2001–2002 RSV season. Of the 190 infants included, the main treatment groups were ex-premature infants with chronic lung disease (CLD; 118 babies; 62.8%), babies with congenital heart defects (29; 15.4%) and premature infants without CLD (17; 9%). Nine (4.7%) babies were hospitalised with RSV infections. Compliance to the dose regimen was impaired in these infants including initiation of prophylaxis late in the RSV season, discontinuation mid season or inappropriate intervals between doses. We strongly recommend adherence to the dose regimen and report strategies that may be implemented to improve compliance.