Clinical consensus on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection prophylaxis and the use of palivizumab in paediatric cardiology.

• Published in: Anales de pediatría (Barcelona, Spain : 2003) Spain : 2003), 2010-06, Vol.72 (6), p.432.e1-432.13
• Main Authors: Medrano López, C, García-Guereta, L, Fernández Pineda, L, Malo Concepción, P, Maroto Alvaro, E, Santos de Soto, J, Lirio Casero, J, Suárez Cabrera, P, Caballero Martínez, F
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Subjects: Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use; Child; Humans; Palivizumab; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections - prevention & control
• ISSN: 1695-9531
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2010.03.001

Following the results of the CIVIC study, the SECPCC proposes to revise its recommendations for the prevention of RSV, taking into account the new evidence, as well as the preventive experience of paediatric cardiologists. For this purpose a structured method of professional consensus has been chosen. To develop a Spanish clinical consensus on preventing infection by RSV under the auspices of the Sociedad Española de Cardiología Pediátrica y Cardiopatías Congénitas. Delphi Consensus modified in two rounds. The study was conducted in four phases: 1) constitution of a Scientific Committee for bibliographic review and submission of the recommendations for discussion, 2) constitution of an Expert Panel with 75 representatives in the speciality, 3) postal survey organised in two rounds and intermediate processing of opinions, and issuing of a report to the panellists, and 4) discussion of the results in a face-to-face meeting of the Scientific Committee. Consensus was reached on 54 of the 70 preventive recommendations analysed. With respect to the 16 remaining issues, no consensus was reached, due to differences in professional opinion and the absence of established criteria among the majority of the experts. A set of recommendations for RSV prophylaxis in cardiology was developed and updated, rated in accordance with the degree of professional consensus on which they were based. These can be considered valid until such time as new scientific information emerges that warrants a further review.