Ribavirin for respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis reduced the risk of asthma and allergen sensitization
Journal
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
Journal Volume
19
Journal Issue
2
Pages
166-172
Date Issued
2008
Author(s)
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in early life is a risk factor for later development of asthma and atopy. Ribavirin is the only effective drug currently available against acute RSV bronchiolitis. However, the long-term effects of ribavirin remain unclear. We investigated a cohort of children hospitalized with RSV bronchiolitis from when they were under 2 yr old until they reached a mean age of 6.2 yr. In total, we enrolled 175 children in this study. Both the group treated with ribavirin and the group not treated with ribavirin included high-risk young children with congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease. Their respective age-matched controls, that we labeled groups A and B, both without ribavirin treatment, consisted of previously healthy subjects. Wheezing was either verified by physicians or estimated by a questionnaire. Allergen sensitization was judged by serum allergen-specific IgE levels. The cumulative incidence of physician-diagnosed asthma or recurrent wheezing in the ribavirin group (15%) was significantly lower than its incidence in the non-ribavirin-treated group (34%, p = 0.049), and in the control A group (43%, p = 0.005). Allergen sensitization was also least frequent in the ribavirin group. Ribavirin therapy was an independent factor in reducing the risk of developing asthma, asthma/recurrent wheezing, and sensitization to D. pteronyssinus/D. farinae. The long-term value of ribavirin for acute RSV bronchiolitis and its underlying mechanisms deserves further research. ? 2008 The Authors.
SDGs
Other Subjects
allergen; corticosteroid; immunoglobulin E; ribavirin; steroid; article; asthma; atopy; bronchiolitis; chronic lung disease; congenital heart disease; controlled study; female; hospitalization; human; incidence; major clinical study; male; preschool child; priority journal; questionnaire; Respiratory syncytial pneumovirus; risk factor; sensitization; wheezing; Antiviral Agents; Asthma; Bronchiolitis, Viral; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Cohort Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Infant; Lung Diseases; Male; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Ribavirin; Risk; Risk Factors; Taiwan; Time
Type
journal article