RIBAVIRIN AEROSOL TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS-INFECTION

A controlled study showed that ribavirin aerosol was therapeutically effective and did not cause side effects in infants with severe respiratory syncytial virus infection receiving mechanical ventilation. Treatment of patients on ventilation has not yet been approved for general use. Reports indicated divergence of opinion about acceptable limits of environmental exposure of pregnant health care workers treating patients receiving ribavirin aerosol. In this connection, reviews of animal data revealed differences in the interpretation of no-effect levels and in the multiples of reduction of dosage considered "safe." New studies in animals revealed that at usual dosages, ribavirin is neither teratogenic nor chronically toxic. A review of several years of clinical usage revealed no birth defects or serious side effects.