The Beyfortus, an innovative treatment aimed at immunizing babies against the virus responsible for bronchiolitis, was confirmed as “very effective” by a vast international study published Thursday. This major advance could transform the care of infants in the face of this disease.
Previous studies had already shown that this drug limited the hospitalizations of babies. However, the study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health offers the most solid panorama to date on the effectiveness of the Beyfortus.
According to the analysis of the data of winter 2023-2024 in five countries (France, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and the United States), the beyfortus made it possible to reduce by more than 80% the risk of hospitalization linked to an infection by the bronchiolitis virus. In addition, he also led to a reduction of more than 80% of intensive care admissions.
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Impact in Switzerland
This immunization was observed in Switzerland last winter, a few weeks after the introduction of treatment. “It was relatively obvious in the first part of winter for cases of severe bronchiolitis infants, that is to say those who need respiratory support,” said David Longchamps, pediatrician with the north-south pediatric permanence in Crissier, Saturday in 12:30 p.m.
Thanks to this treatment, at the CHUV for example, hospitalizations linked to bronchiolitis have been reduced by more than 60% this winter.
-Preventive treatment
Nirsevimab, the name of the molecule, is not a vaccine even if it is injectable, but a preventive treatment preventing the virus from infecting the body.
Health professionals now salute the beyfortus as a major advance, speaking of a real revolution. By allowing to stem the winter bronchiolitis epidemics, this treatment lightens the pressure on emergency services and offers real relief to families as well as nursing staff.
If it is generally without gravity, bronchiolitis, which causes breathing difficulties, especially for babies during the first six months of their lives, can sometimes lead to emergency and hospital passages.
This meta-analysis has limits, recognize its authors. The studies taken into account were observational, which can lead to bias linked to underlying health problems, socio-economic status or regional differences in care access.
Radio subject: Foued Boukari
Web text: HKR
