Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in a high-risk population in Argentina: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Palivizumab has proved effective in reducing hospitalization rates because of respiratory syncytial virus in vulnerable groups. In Argentina its administration is not universal because of high costs. We made a cohort study and enrolled 159 children who met the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations but did not receive palivizumab; 26% required hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection. Siblings and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were associated with higher hospitalization. For high-risk patients, one averted hospitalization was associated with costs of U.S. dollars (USD)13, 198 [number needed to treat (NNT): 4.5].