Long-term therapy with aerosolized ribavirin for parainfluenza 3 virus respiratory tract infection in an infant with severe combined immunodeficiency

Pediatr Transplant. 2007 Mar;11(2):209-13. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2006.00607.x.

Abstract

We report the case of an infant with severe combined immunodeficiency who was presented with PIV3 infection. Aerosolized ribavirin was administered for 10 months until the child gained a functional immune system through an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and cleared PIV3 infection. No adverse effect was observed in the child and in healthcare personnel, with a follow-up of three years. Despite the burden of aerosolized administration, early and prolonged administration of aerosolized ribavirin was feasible, well tolerated, and safe for the patient and the caregivers. This is a case report and no definite conclusions can be drawn. However, our experience suggests that prolonged aerosolized ribavirin administration should be considered for the treatment of PIV3 infection in the context of primary immunodeficiency, where there is no currently available alternative treatment, until a functional immune system is gained.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Parainfluenza Virus 3, Human*
  • Reoperation
  • Respirovirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Respirovirus Infections / etiology*
  • Ribavirin / administration & dosage*
  • Ribavirin / therapeutic use
  • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency / complications*
  • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency / surgery*
  • Time Factors
  • Transplantation Conditioning

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Ribavirin