A nirsevimab injection would prevent bronchiolitis. But can all babies receive this antibody? This is what aims to determine a vast international study in which the CHU of Bordeaux participates.
Runny nose, fever, cough, wheezing and, of course, difficulty breathing. Very contagious, bronchiolitis is spreading again this fall throughout France. In mid-November, the health authorities are still alarmed: this acute and particularly contagious viral infection which affects the bronchioles, that is to say the small bronchi, remains at “a very high level”, saturating the pediatric services. hospitals and paediatricians’ waiting rooms in the city.
While bronchiolitis is generally a mild disease, it can sometimes affect very young children more seriously, and especially infants under two months of age, sometimes resulting in hospitalization. Question: Is there a way to prevent bronchiolitis? Wash your hands regularly, ventilate the interiors, limit visits, favor outdoor outings, wash the child’s nose several times a day with physiological serum, do not expose the child to cigarette smoke or even ensuring that the temperature of his room does not exceed 19 ° C can help limit transmission to the child, as reported by theNew Aquitaine Regional Health Agencythe Bordeaux University Hospital announced Friday, November 18 to test a preventive treatment, relays in particular 20 minutes.
What is this preventive treatment against bronchiolitis?
A single injection of nirsevimab, a recombinant human monoclonal antibody, could significantly reduce lower respiratory tract infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is the virus usually responsible for bronchiolitis. , specifies the site ameli.fr. This single injection “can significantly reduce the risk of contracting acute bronchiolitis, chest infections such as pneumonia and otitis media for about six months”, indicates the Bordeaux University Hospital, which 20 Minutes echoes. And to clarify: “This new treatment has already reduced lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV by 74.5% in a clinical trial involving 4,000 babies.”
How to participate in the study on preventive treatment against bronchiolitis?
The idea now is to find out if nirsevimab can be offered to all babies. This is why a vast study, in which the Bordeaux University Hospital in France is participating, but also other establishments located in Germany and the United Kingdom, has been launched. “The study is open to full-term infants or preterm infants (at least 29 weeks’ gestational age) aged less than 12 months. The treatment may optionally be given at birth to provide protection during the first months”, it is indicated. The Bordeaux University Hospital therefore invites all parents who wish to participate. For a first contact, just send an email to [email protected].