Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (ch.14)

Question 1

What are the two most common viral infections?

Answer 1

RSV and influenza virus

Question 2

What virus is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia?

Answer 2

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)

Question 2

RSV infections occur primarily during the…

Answer 2

fall, winter and spring seasons

Question 2

REVIEW CARD: Risk factors of RSV

Answer 2

• Childcare attendance
• Older siblings in school
• Crowding & lower socioeconomic status
• Exposure to environmental pollutants
• Minimal breastfeeding
• Factors with severe RSV:
  Prematurity (<35 weeks gestation)
  Younger than 3 months
  RR greater than 60 breaths per minute
  SPO2 <95% at 21% fio2
  Atelectasis or pneumonitis on CXR
  Family Hx of asthma

Question 3

What is the cause of RSV?

Answer 3

cough and direct physical contact from infected individuals

Question 4

RSV infection is limited to the respiratory tract, It starts in the ___________, then moves down the ___________, causing _________, and later leading to __________ and ____________.

Answer 4

1 = upper respiratory tract
2 = respiratory tract
3= bronchiolitis
4= atelectasis
5= pneumonia

Question 5

How can you diagnose RSV?

Answer 5

sputum culture, antigen testing, PCR assay, molecular probing for confirming RSV

(CXR if severe)

Question 6

How can a patient clinically present if they have RSV? (3)

Answer 6

• Initially present with cold like symptoms (cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, low-grade fever)
• Otitis media
• Dehydration

Question 7

How do you treat a patient that has lower respt RSV infection

Answer 7

bronchodilators

Question 8

How do you treat a patient that has an acute episode of RSV bronchiolitis?

Answer 8

Nebulized racemic epinephrine

Question 8

You have a transplant patient that presents with severe RSV, how are these patients treated?

Answer 8

Ribavirin (Virazole)

Question 9

Name a prophylactic drug that is used for RSV with infants born before 29 weeks

Answer 9

Palivizumab