Abstract

BAUER, Gabriela et al. Impact of a respiratory disease prevention program in high-risk preterm infants: a prospective, multicentric study. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2009, vol.107, n.2, pp.111-118. ISSN 0325-0075.

Respiratory tract infections (RTI), specially those caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are of central concern in high-risk preterm infant care. Prevention programs including new and costly interventions should be evaluated in terms of efectivity and impact. Objectives. To evaluate feasibility and results of a National Health Ministry pilot program for severe RTI prevention in high-risk infants. Methods. Seven high-risk follow-up clinics from the public healthcare system were selected for a prospective, multicentric study. Between May and September 2007, a pilot program comprising healthcare team training, parental education, RSV pasive immunoprophylaxis, RTI patient care end results evaluation was implemented. Indicators were used to evaluate feasibility; efectivity was estimated comparing study results with two historical controls. Results. 183 infants were incorporated, 5 were lost and 1 died from cardiac disease. A RTI management guideline was elaborated among participating centers; parents assisted to educational workshops; palivizumab was given to participating infants up to three doses. RTI hospital admission rate for the study group was 20% (7% RSV-related), compared to 42% (26% RSV-related) and 37% (29% RSV-related) in control groups (p< 0.0001 and p= 0.02, respectively). Conclusions. Program implementation was feasible and readily accepted by healthcare teams. RTI hospital admissions rates, in general and RSV-related, were significatively lower than local previous studies.

Keywords : Premature infants; Respiratory tract infections; Prevention and control; Effectiveness program.

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