TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS-INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN

Treatment of the infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has varied largely in different centres. Recently, however, management practices have become more clear based on a number of studies. An infant with RSV bronchiolitis should be hospitalized in case of insufficient oxygenation, as measured by pulse oximetry, and additional oxygen should be supplied. Mist treatment and physiotherapy are not beneficial. Bronchodilators seem to be the drug of choice in most infants with bronchiolitis. Use of corticosteroids has not been supported by data received from most studies although they are generally used. Ribavirin should be used only with high-risk patients such as immunosuppressed children. Despite the common prescription of antibiotics, they should only be given to patients with verified bacterial infection. In the future, immunotherapy including aerosolized IgG may be an alternative in treatment of RSV infections. Until an efficient vaccine is brought to clinical use, the best way to limit nosocomial spread of infections is to use cohort nursing and gowns.