| Abstract [eng] |
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is globally a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI), most often seen as bronchiolitis, in neonates and infants. The morbidity and fatality rates connected to RSV during infancy, especially for children that count to be at high risk, including preterm newborns and those with underlying medical disorders, highlight the importance of developing better prevention and treatment techniques. This thesis addresses the changing epidemiology of RSV infections, demonstrates the impact of COVID-19 and how the RSV occurrence pattern has changed and examines current and emerging immunoprophylaxis techniques in Lithuania and other northern hemisphere countries. The primary goal of the study is to review the literature on neonatal and infant RSV infections, assess changes in seasonal trends at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (VUH SK), and compare immunoprophylaxis practices in Lithuania to international models, for example Germany. The goals include researching epidemiological, clinical, and preventative aspects of RSV, analyzing local incidence data from 2020 to 2025, and assessing immunoprophylaxis options. Research of different literature was performed using databases such as PubMed, ResearchGate, and UpToDate, with a focus on papers published between 2020 and 2025. The most prominent key search terms included RSV, infants, bronchiolitis, seasonality, prevention, and immunoprophylaxis. Moreover, data from VUH SK and data from Germany, the United States, Spain, Italy, and Northern Ireland were used to assess the development of seasonal changes and immunization policies, allowing to illustrate similarities and differences between the countries. The findings show that non-pharmaceutical interventions caused a significant disruption in RSV seasonality during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by an atypical rebound and early peak after the relaxation of preventive measures that were obligated. The number of RSV immunizations at VUH SK decreased over a five-year period, despite the clinical value and need of prophylaxis for vulnerable pediatric populations. Meanwhile, countries such as Germany have introduced the availability to use a different monoclonal antibody injection, such as nirsevimab, displaying increased protection for the infants. The study suggests that, whereas Lithuania presently relies on injections with palivizumab for RSV immunoprophylaxis, introducing advanced techniques may improve the baby’s protection. Raising awareness, offering parental education and motivation are crucial to reach the goal of elevating the rates of immunization and thereby ensure safety from RSV-related medical complications in the small child. |
