Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants, with RSV being the primary pathogen. In 2023, nirsevimab was approved for universal prophylaxis, demonstrating high effectiveness in reducing RSV-related hospitalizations. In Italy, nirsevimab was introduced in the vaccination schedule only during the current 2024–2025 epidemic season, with significant regional differences. In our region, Lazio, nirsevimab was introduced in late November 2024, leading only to a 43% overall reduction in RSV bronchiolitis hospitalizations compared to the previous season. The highest impact was observed in newborns immunized at birth (− 82.7%), while the catch-up group showed lower-than-expected benefits (− 29%). Immunized infants had significantly lower oxygen requirements (42.9% vs. 82.4% in non-immunized) and resulted to be approximately seven times more likely not to require oxygen compared to non-immunized patients.Conclusion: Universal infant immunization against RSV marks a significant breakthrough in the natural history of bronchiolitis, and early and widespread nirsevimab administration appears to be crucial in minimizing RSV’s hospitalizations.<Table Float="No" ID="Taba"> <tgroup cols="2"> <colspec align="left" colname="c1" colnum="1" /> <colspec align="left" colname="c2" colnum="2" /> <tbody> <row> <entry nameend="c2" namest="c1"> What is Known: • Nirsevimab was approved in 2023 for the universal prophylaxis against RSV bronchiolitis. • Nirsevimab was was introduced in the Italian vaccination schedule only during the current 2024-2025 epidemic season, with significant regional differences. </entry> </row> <row> <entry nameend="c2" namest="c1"> What is New: • In Lazio, Italy, the delayed introduction of nirsevimab in November 2024 and the reduced vaccination coverage of the catch-up group resulted in a lower-than-expected reduction in RSV bronchiolitis hospitalizations. • Early and widespread administration of nirsevimab is crucial to maximizing its benefits and reducing severe RSV cases. </entry> </row> </tbody> </tgroup> </Table>

RSV bronchiolitis: a disease only for those who do not receive prophylaxis

期刊论文
发表日期：

2025年6月24日

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A. Villani,
L. Antilici,
A. M. C. Musolino,
A. Merola,
C. F. Perno,
M. Raponi,
A. C. Vittucci

摘要

Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants, with RSV being the primary pathogen. In 2023, nirsevimab was approved for universal prophylaxis, demonstrating high effectiveness in reducing RSV-related hospitalizations. In Italy, nirsevimab was introduced in the vaccination schedule only during the current 2024–2025 epidemic season, with significant regional differences. In our region, Lazio, nirsevimab was introduced in late November 2024, leading only to a 43% overall reduction in RSV bronchiolitis hospitalizations compared to the previous season. The highest impact was observed in newborns immunized at birth (− 82.7%), while the catch-up group showed lower-than-expected benefits (− 29%). Immunized infants had significantly lower oxygen requirements (42.9% vs. 82.4% in non-immunized) and resulted to be approximately seven times more likely not to require oxygen compared to non-immunized patients.

Conclusion: Universal infant immunization against RSV marks a significant breakthrough in the natural history of bronchiolitis, and early and widespread nirsevimab administration appears to be crucial in minimizing RSV’s hospitalizations.

What is Known:

• Nirsevimab was approved in 2023 for the universal prophylaxis against RSV bronchiolitis.

• Nirsevimab was was introduced in the Italian vaccination schedule only during the current 2024-2025 epidemic season, with significant regional differences.

What is New:

• In Lazio, Italy, the delayed introduction of nirsevimab in November 2024 and the reduced vaccination coverage of the catch-up group resulted in a lower-than-expected reduction in RSV bronchiolitis hospitalizations.

• Early and widespread administration of nirsevimab is crucial to maximizing its benefits and reducing severe RSV cases.