Ribavirin administration to infants receiving mechanical ventilation
K. M. Outwater, H. C. Meissner and M. B. Peterson
Department of Pediatrics, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA.
Aerosolized ribavirin was administered to 12 infants with bronchiolitis who
were receiving mechanical ventilation. All patients had a history of
cardiac or pulmonary disease and developed severe respiratory failure
during their infection. We developed a method for ribavirin administration
and patient monitoring that included timed circuit valve and tubing changes
to avoid obstruction by precipitated drug, frequent endotracheal tube
suctioning, and constant observation of the patient and ventilator. All
patients were successfully treated. We conclude that ribavirin can be
safely administered to infants receiving mechanical ventilation.
