Current management of parainfluenza pneumonitis in immunocompromised patients: a review

rrent management of parainfluenza pneumonitis in immunocompromised patients: a review Review (1590) Total Article Views Authors: Falsey AR Published Date August 2012 Volume 2012:5 Pages 121 - 127 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S25874 Received: 12 May 2012 Accepted: 28 June 2012 Published: 08 August 2012 Ann R Falsey University of Rochester, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA Abstract: Parainfluenza viruses (PIV) are common respiratory viruses that belong to the Paramyxoviridae family. PIV infection can lead to a wide variety of clinical syndromes ranging from mild upper respiratory illness to severe pneumonia. Severe disease can be seen in elderly or chronically ill persons and may be fatal in persons with compromised immune systems, particularly children with severe combined immunodeficiency disease syndrome and hematopathic stem cell transplant recipients. At present, there are no licensed antiviral agents for the treatment of PIV infection. Aerosolized or systemic ribavirin in combination with intravenous gamma globulin has been reported in small, uncontrolled series and case reports of immunocompromised patients. A number of agents show antiviral activity in vitro and in animals, but none are currently approved for human use.