Kristie McNealy, MD

Since it’s both Prematurity Awareness Month and the start of RSV season for many of us here in the US, I thought I’d spend some time today talking about RSV and protecting your preemie once you leave the hospital.  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is a common seasonal virus.  For most of the continental United States, [...]

Last week, I discussed the ongoing debate over which babies should receive Synagis, a medication which is used to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in preemies and other high risk infants and toddlers.  RSV is a common respiratory virus which can have severe complications in preemies and babies with certain heart and lung conditions.  [...]

Ever since Synagis (aka palivizumab) was brought to market by MedImmune, there has been debate over which babies should benefit from its RSV protection, and which should not. Synagis has been shown to reduce RSV related hospitalizations by 50%, it hasn’t been shown to reduce RSV related deaths, and while it is believed that [...]