Which medication is given to high-risk preterm infants to prevent infection from RSV?

Which medication is given to high-risk preterm infants to prevent infection from RSV?

• A. Palivizumab (Synagis)
• B. Ribavirin
• C. Interferon
• D. Amantadine

Answer: (A)

RSV prevention in high-risk preterm infants is achieved with palivizumab (Synagis). This monoclonal antibody provides passive immunity by neutralizing RSV, reducing the likelihood of infection and lowering RSV-related hospitalizations when given as monthly intramuscular injections during RSV season. It’s a preventive measure, not a treatment. Dosing is typically around 15 mg/kg per dose, administered monthly for the duration of the RSV season. Other drugs listed are not used for RSV prophylaxis: ribavirin is used to treat established RSV infection in certain cases, while interferon and amantadine are not standard RSV preventive or treatment options (amantadine targets influenza A).

RSV prevention in high-risk preterm infants is achieved with palivizumab (Synagis). This monoclonal antibody provides passive immunity by neutralizing RSV, reducing the likelihood of infection and lowering RSV-related hospitalizations when given as monthly intramuscular injections during RSV season. It’s a preventive measure, not a treatment. Dosing is typically around 15 mg/kg per dose, administered monthly for the duration of the RSV season. Other drugs listed are not used for RSV prophylaxis: ribavirin is used to treat established RSV infection in certain cases, while interferon and amantadine are not standard RSV preventive or treatment options (amantadine targets influenza A).