Learning from a case control audit on local cost efficacy of palivizumab at East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre

ABSTRACT

837 Table 1Compariosn between palivizumab arm and control arm 837 Table 2Doses given vs RSV positive caseloadConclusionThis study suggested that RSV-prophylaxis was cost beneficial. RSV-prophylaxis reduced length of stay due to RSV bronchiolitis;2 days (palivizumab arm) vs. 39 (control group) (table 1). Of the 6 patients who completed a full 5-dose course of palivizumab, 0 contracted RSV positive bronchiolitis (table 2). Cardiac patients who did not complete a full course of palivizumab were at higher risk of contracting RSV bronchiolitis. Numbers were far too limited to reach statistical reliability and a second audit cycle was not run as RSV rates diminished due to the effect of COVID-19 lockdown and the previous seasonal pattern of RSV prevalence was not observed.2 Earlier patient identification, closer monitoring & stewardship of palivizumab eligible cardiac patients needed across the regional network to facilitate better uptake, delivery & concordance of RSV prophylaxis regimen over the winter period.ReferencesLiao et al. British Congenital Cardiac Association Annual Conference poster. 2021.Agha R, Avner JR. Delayed seasonal RSV surge observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatrics 2021;148e2021052089.