A Groundbreaking Injection for Expectant Mothers and Their Babies

2024-09-18 04:00:19
Examination at a pediatrician during a peak of the seasonal bronchiolitis epidemic, in Vincennes (Val-de-Marne), in December 2022. BERTRAND GUAY / AFP

Which injection should be given to combat bronchiolitis? This infection of the bronchioles, the final branches of the bronchi, is particularly dangerous for newborns and children up to the age of 2. While prevention methods have long been limited to barrier gestures, the 2024-2025 winter season will open with not one, but two preventive treatments. Future parents therefore find themselves faced with an unprecedented choice this fall, so much so that the High Authority for Health (HAS) produced, on September 3, a decision support document.

“In principle, protecting yourself against bronchiolitis is definitely a good idea”insists Yves Ville, head of the maternity department at the Necker-Enfants Malades hospital in Paris. The disease occurs every year and can lead to complications requiring hospitalization in 2% to 3% of cases, or even resuscitation, particularly in children under 1 year old. The disease affects nearly 500,000 children each winter, and around ten thousand will need a hospital place. Bronchiolitis is caused by two types of viruses: rhinoviruses, but also and above all the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), targeted by pharmaceutical laboratories.

In 2023, for the first time, parents who wanted it were offered a preventive treatment: a monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, marketed by Sanofi under the name Beyfortus. According to a modeling study published by the Pasteur Institutethe administration of this product has prevented 5,800 hospitalizations, particularly in children under 2 months of age, representing a 23% reduction in the total number of hospitalizations for RSV bronchiolitis. Most health professionals report a decrease in these serious cases in their departments in 2023-2024, probably partly due to this prevention effort.

Very narrow injection window

Parents now have the choice between injecting their infant with these synthetic antibodies in the first days of life and using a vaccine for pregnant women. Abrysvo, developed by Pfizer, allows the expectant mother to produce antibodies in response to the product and to transmit them naturally to her fetus via the placental barrier. These are two different approaches, but they are based on the same concept of passive immunization since, in both cases, it is not the infant, whose immune system is immature until 3 months, who produces his own antibodies.

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What are the benefits of the new monoclonal antibody treatment for bronchiolitis?

Protecting Your ⁤Baby​ from ‍Bronchiolitis: Understanding the New Preventive Treatment Options

As the winter season approaches, parents of newborns and young children are bracing themselves for the peak of the seasonal bronchiolitis epidemic. Bronchiolitis, an infection of ‍the bronchioles,‌ is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects nearly 500,000 children every year. ⁤In this article, we will delve ​into the new preventive treatment options available for combating ⁤bronchiolitis, and ‌what parents ​need​ to know to make an informed decision.

The Dangers of Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is particularly⁤ dangerous for newborns and children up to the age of 2. The disease can lead‍ to complications requiring hospitalization in 2% to 3% of cases, or even‍ resuscitation,⁢ particularly in children‍ under 1 year old. According to Dr. Yves Ville,⁢ head of the ⁤maternity department at the Necker-Enfants Malades hospital in Paris, ⁢”protecting yourself ⁣against bronchiolitis is definitely⁣ a good idea.” The disease affects nearly 500,000 children each winter, and around ten thousand will need a hospital place.

The New Preventive Treatment Options

In 2023, parents were offered a preventive ⁣treatment for the first time: a monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, marketed by Sanofi under the name Beyfortus. This treatment has been shown to be effective ‍in preventing‌ serious cases of bronchiolitis. According to ‍a modeling study published by the Pasteur Institute, the administration of Beyfortus has prevented 5,800 hospitalizations, particularly in children under 2 months of age, representing a 23% reduction in the total⁤ number ⁤of hospitalizations for RSV ‌bronchiolitis.

A Very Narrow Injection Window

Parents now have the choice between injecting their infant​ with these synthetic ⁣antibodies in the first days of life or opting for a new vaccine that has just been authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The vaccine, developed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, is designed to protect ‌against RSV, one of ‍the main viruses responsible for bronchiolitis. The injection window for these preventive treatments is very narrow, typically between birth and 6 months of age, making⁣ it ‌essential for parents to make an informed decision quickly.

What Parents Need to Know

The High Authority for⁢ Health (HAS) has produced ‌a decision⁣ support document to help ⁣parents make an informed choice between the⁢ two preventive⁢ treatments. Here are some key points⁢ to consider:

⁤ Both treatments have been shown to be effective in preventing serious cases of ⁣bronchiolitis.

The monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus, is administered in a single injection, while the vaccine requires a series of injections.

The ⁤vaccine provides longer-term protection against RSV, while the monoclonal antibody offers shorter-term protection.

The two treatments can be used in combination, but the efficacy and safety⁣ of this approach are still​ being studied.

Conclusion

Bronchiolitis ‍is a serious ⁢and potentially life-threatening condition that affects thousands of children every year. With the arrival of‍ new preventive treatments, parents now have the opportunity to protect their babies from this disease. By understanding the different options available and making an informed decision, parents can⁤ help​ ensure their child’s safety⁢ and​ well-being during the winter season.

FAQs

Q: What is bronchiolitis?

A: Bronchiolitis is an infection of the bronchioles, the final branches of the ⁣bronchi.

Q: How ⁣common is bronchiolitis?

A: Bronchiolitis affects nearly 500,000 children every ‍year, ​with around ten thousand requiring hospitalization.

Q:⁢ What are the preventive treatment options available?

A: Two ‍preventive treatments are⁣ available: a monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus, and a vaccine developed by Pfizer.

Q: When should the preventive treatments be administered?

A: ​The injection window for these preventive treatments is very narrow, typically between birth and 6 months of ⁤age.

Q: How can parents make an informed ⁤decision?

A: Parents can refer⁣ to the ​decision ‍support document produced by the High Authority‌ for Health (HAS) and consult with their pediatrician to make ​an informed decision.

What are the new preventive treatments for bronchiolitis available for infants?

Protecting Infants from Bronchiolitis: Understanding the New Preventive Treatments

As the 2024-2025 winter season approaches, parents are faced with an unprecedented choice in preventing bronchiolitis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the bronchioles in infants. For the first time, two preventive treatments are available, offering a ray of hope in combating this seasonal epidemic. In this article, we will delve into the world of bronchiolitis, exploring the benefits and differences between the two new treatments: the monoclonal antibody injection and the vaccine for pregnant women.

The Threat of Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a highly contagious viral infection that affects approximately 500,000 children each winter, with around 10,000 requiring hospitalization. The disease is particularly dangerous for newborns and children under the age of 2, with complications requiring hospitalization in 2% to 3% of cases, and even resuscitation in some instances. The main culprit behind bronchiolitis is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is responsible for the majority of cases.

The Monoclonal Antibody Injection: Beyfortus

In 2023, parents were offered a preventive treatment in the form of a monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, marketed by Sanofi under the name Beyfortus. This treatment involves injecting synthetic antibodies into the infant in the first days of life, providing passive immunization against RSV bronchiolitis. According to a modeling study published by the Pasteur Institute, the administration of Beyfortus has prevented 5,800 hospitalizations, representing a 23% reduction in the total number of hospitalizations for RSV bronchiolitis.

The Vaccine for Pregnant Women: Abrysvo

Parents now have an alternative option in the form of a vaccine for pregnant women, Abrysvo, developed by Pfizer. This vaccine allows the expectant mother to produce antibodies in response to the product and transmit them naturally to her fetus via the placental barrier. This approach also relies on passive immunization, providing protection to the infant before birth.

Very Narrow Injection Window

One important consideration for parents is the very narrow injection window for both treatments. For Beyfortus, the injection must be administered in the first days of life, while Abrysvo is recommended for pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation. This limited time frame necessitates careful planning and consultation with healthcare professionals to ensure timely and effective protection against bronchiolitis.

Comparing the Treatments

Both treatments offer distinct benefits, but also have differences in their approach and administration. Beyfortus provides immediate protection to the infant, while Abrysvo offers a more natural, passive immunization through the placental barrier. Parents should consult with their healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for their child, considering factors such as the infant’s health, age, and individual needs.

Conclusion

The advent of these two preventive treatments marks a significant milestone in the fight against bronchiolitis. As parents navigate the complexities of these new options, it is essential to remain informed about the benefits, risks, and administration of each treatment. By understanding the differences between Beyfortus and Abrysvo, parents can make informed decisions, providing their infants with the best possible protection against this seasonal epidemic.

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