Is Palivizumabe a Protective Factor for the Development of Asthma in
Children? A Systematic Review with Metanalysis
Abstract
Introduction: Premature infants are at increased risk of
developing chronic respiratory diseases, predisposing them to severe
infections, such as those caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Palivizumab reduces the severity of RSV infections in high-risk
children; however, its relationship with asthma development in premature
infants remains unclear. Objective: This systematic review with
meta-analysis aimed to review the literature and assess whether
prophylaxis with palivizumab protects premature infants without
congenital heart disease from developing asthma. Results: In
total, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, assessing 1,364,238
children; of these, 9,232 received palivizumab. No significant
difference in the chance of developing asthma between the groups (odds
ratio (OR) of 0.84, 95% CI [0.62 to 1.13], p = 0.1968).
Heterogeneity between studies was I 2 = 35.6%.
Subgroup analysis for children with a family history of atopy showed no
significant reduction in asthma risk (OR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.40–1.55, p =
0.3390). Sensitivity analysis confirmed result robustness. IgE levels
were similar between the groups (standardized mean difference [SMD]
-0.03 [95% CI: -0.30; 0.23], p = 0.8088). Children who received
palivizumab were diagnosed younger (SMD -0.24 [95% CI: -0.38;
-0.09], p = 0.0014), with lower gestational age (MD -0.75 [95% CI:
-1.61; 0.12], p = 0.0915). Conclusions: Palivizumab
prophylaxis does not reduce asthma risk in premature children without
congenital heart disease. Its primary benefit lies in preventing severe
RSV infections, with no direct impact on asthma developing.