A Case of Therapy of Aerosolized Ribavirin in a Leukemia Infant with RSV Infection.
- Author:
Hyo Jin KWON
;
Myung Jin OH
;
Jae Wook LEE
;
Nak Gyun CHUNG
;
Bin CHO
;
Hack Ki KIM
;
Jin Han KANG
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
RSV infection;
Leukemia;
Child;
Ribavirin
- MeSH:
Child;
Humans;
Immunocompromised Host;
Immunoglobulins;
Infant;
Intensive Care Units;
Korea;
Leukemia;
Mediastinal Emphysema;
Pneumonia;
Pneumothorax;
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma;
Respiratory Syncytial Viruses;
Respiratory Tract Infections;
Ribavirin;
Thorax
- From:Korean Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases
2012;19(3):162-167
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants. Life-threatening RSV infection is often reported in young children and immunocompromised hosts. Since there is no report on ribavirin therapy for RSV pneumonia in pediatric cancer patients in Korea, we report one case of RSV pneumonia that developed in an infant with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Despite administration of oral ribavirin and intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient's respiratory distress worsened and admission to an intensive care unit was necessary. Chest x-ray showed multifocal consolidation, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum. Treatment with aerosolized ribavirin led to significant clinical improvement. The role of aerosolized ribavirin is still controversial, but it might have a therapeutic potential for severe RSV pneumonia in children with leukemia.
