Clinical Outcomes of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Among Pediatric Immunocompromised Hosts

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common pediatric respiratory tract infection. Immunocompromised children are at a higher risk of developing a lower respiratory tract infection and other negative consequences from the virus. A study led by Diego Hijano, MD, St. Jude Department of Infectious Diseases, described how RSV infection impacted immunocompromised children, including increases in hospitalizations, intensive care unit visits and oxygen support, while also interrupting cancer treatment for one-third of these patients. The findings were published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer. 

“I believe respiratory viruses, particularly RSV, are underestimated in our population. While it may not be the most frequent infection, we showed the impact RSV has on children with cancer, their families and the institutions that care for them. Without effective treatments and preventive measures tailored to babies and pregnant individuals, our patients have few options to help them fight off this infection and resume their cancer treatment,” said Hijano.

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