Expert Consensus on Recommendations for Palivizumab Prophylaxis for Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children in Colombia

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus infection constitutes a significant burden of morbidity and mortality in high-risk children. Palivizumab prophylaxis is considered the primary strategy to prevent severe infections in this population. To establish recommendations for its use in Colombia, an expert consensus was conducted following a process based on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines. A panel of six experts participated in this process, reviewing studies that included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and clinical guidelines, focusing on children under two years treated with palivizumab. The quality of evidence assessment and recommendation formulation were conducted following methodologies proposed by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and the GRADE system. Recommendations were developed for palivizumab prophylaxis in subgroups of high-risk patients, including premature neonates, moderate-to-late preterm infants, patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, and innate immune disorders. This process allowed for the generation of clinically relevant and evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving clinical practice in the country. © 2024 Asociacion Colombiana de Infectologia. All rights reserved.