New RSV guidelines from AAP

lstaylor73

I got this from a forum of preemie parents that is local to us here in the MD/DC/NOVA area and thought I should pass this on to you guys in case you had not heard the latest update. 

 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Has Re-Issued New Guidelines Regarding Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

ANNOUNCEMENTS, July 24 ?

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has re-issued new guidelines regarding Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In their new guidelines, the AAP recommends that children born between 32 weeks and 35 weeks gestation receive three dosages instead of the previously suggested five dosages of Synagis and are only recommending these injections for infants less than three months old during RSV and flu months. These changes in eligibility guidelines will be exclusive for those with the above criteria and also are in a daycare setting or with older siblings in the home. Children born at 31 weeks and six days gestation and earlier will continue to be recommended to receive the same five dosages during RSV/flu season regardless of whether they are in daycare or have siblings.

To support their changes the AAP states in the Red Book for Infectious Disease that, "The primary benefit of [Synagis] is to reduce the number of RSV-related hospitalizations. There has not been a significant decrease in the rate of mortality or recurrent wheezing for those children taking [Synagis]. The AAP also stated that, there is no overall savings in health care dollars if all at risk children received [Synagis]."

It is the position of Preemies Today that all premature infants born prior to 37 weeks are at risk of complications from RSV and the flu. "Families need to continue to be vigilant about hand washing, limiting exposure to germs, and second-hand smoke," says Preemies Today Executive Director Mary Beth Hazelgrove. RSV and the flu can be dangerous respiratory illnesses for premature infants and tend to occur in fall through early spring months. They can lead to a potential hospitalization, damage to the lungs, and sometimes even death. Both are spread through contact of bodily fluids. "We encourage all parents to speak to their pediatricians and advocate for the needs of their individual child," says Preemies Today Chairman Elaine Noto.

All children, born premature or not, will likely have some exposure to RSV by age two. RSV commonly presents as cold-like symptoms in most children. Premature children may have increased in difficulty breathing and future recurrent wheezing problems. Prophylaxis, commonly known by its brand name Synagis, is made from monoclonal antibodies. It does not vaccinate children against RSV, but boosts the immune system to help protect against RSV infection. Injections can cost an average $1,500 a dosage and are routinely injected into patients monthly based on the child's weight. There are some financial support programs that may help families cover costs that are not covered by health insurance.

For more information on RSV, go to https://www.cdc.gov/RSV/. Families and healthcare professionals may share concerns regarding the new changes online at www.PreemieVoices.com sponsored by MedImmune. For information regarding financial support programs, e-mail info@preemiestoday.org.

kamcfarlane

grr. that's all i have to say about that.

thanks for the info.

preemieparent

I wondered when something like that would happen.  

To try and ease the minds of moms whose kids will fall into the 3 shot rule, here is something I learned from our doc about Synagis.

Before getting the shot your body's level (of the immune fighting drug) is zero.   As soon as you get the shot it goes up to the max number and then starts to fall.  The reason you have to get the shot on a 30 day schedule is to ensure that the levels don't fall back to zero again.   So that means that each time you get the shot, the level actually goes higher than before because it doesn't start at zero (after the first shot).   So the effect of the 3rd shot actually lasts longer than the first shot because the stating level was higher.  I hope that makes sense.   So I think the belief is that by the 3rd shot the effect will last for most of the RSV season.

mcdev

I can't wait until Universal Healthcare takes over and then the government will tell us that NONE of our preemies are eligible. ?(Please note my sarcasm)

?I hate that our doctors can't decide what's best of their patients; that it has to be dictated to them. ?I am fearing that this is about to get a whole lot worse ?:(

FaithRocks

well I guess that answers my question as to whether or not Trig will be eligible to get Synagis this year.... grrr

*KatieH*

This is extremely embarassing to have to ask. ?But my ld is reading comprehension, I have read this twice and am trying to figure out what exactly it means. Can anyone break it down as if it's for a first grader? tia!

goblue

KatieH - I think essentially what it means is that the AAP has changed their guidelines such that 32-35 week preemies are recommended to only get 3 synagis shots instead of the prior recommendation of 5.  Recommendations for other getational age groups didn't change  Insurance companies will all respond differently to this news, so an insurance plan might pay for 0 shots, 3 shots, 5 shots, 7 shots, etc...