RSV is a highly contagious, devastating disease, especially in high-risk infants. RSV infection typically presents as an upper respiratory tract infection and then may progress to the lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia and bronchiolitis. The signs, symptoms, and severity of RSV infection vary with age and the number of previous RSV infections. Young age, premature birth, a crowded living environment, day care attendance, and exposure to passive smoking are risk factors for more severe RSV disease. Treatment of RSV infection consists primarily of supportive care but may also include bronchodilators and ribavirin. RSV-IGIV provides passive immunity against RSV infections. RSV-IGIV has been shown to decrease the incidence of RSV hospitalization by 41% to 65% and the number of hospital days by 53% to 59%. The use of RSV-IGIV has also decreased the occurrence and duration of moderate/severe RSV infection. RSV-IGIV has an FDA-approved indication for the prevention of RSV-LRTI in infants less than 24 months of age who have BPD or were born prematurely (< or = 35 weeks' gestational age). RSV-IGIV is not approved for use in children with CHD.

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T L, Sandritter D M, Kraus,.Respiratory syncytial virus-immunoglobulin intravenous (RSV-IGIV) for respiratory syncytial viral infections: part I.. 11 (6),284-91; quiz 292-3.

T L, Sandritter D M, Kraus,"Respiratory syncytial virus-immunoglobulin intravenous (RSV-IGIV) for respiratory syncytial viral infections: part I." 11

T L, Sandritter D M, Kraus,"Respiratory syncytial virus-immunoglobulin intravenous (RSV-IGIV) for respiratory syncytial viral infections: part I."