by Dr. Debbie-Ann Shirley, Division Head of Pediatric Infectious Disease
UVA BB Infusion team gave their first monoclonal antibody infusion therapy to a pediatric patient March 19th! Thanks to the efforts of our BB infusion team, pharmacy services, infectious diseases, hem-onc providers and
Kendall, one of our infusion nurses (courtesy of Jenny Kuzjak)
so many others, our first infusion was a success.
UVA Health offers this ambulatory treatment option in the fight against COVID-19. Monoclonal Antibody Infusions (mAb) are an investigational therapy, now available under an FDA Emergency Use Authorization and may be considered for carefully selected patients who have mild to moderate symptoms and are at very high risk of disease progression or hospitalization. This therapy should not be considered the standard of care for any patient population.
Children and adolescents (age 12 – 17 y/o, weight ≥ 40 kg) with mild to moderate COVID who meet at least 1 of the following criteria can receive this therapy,:
- BMI ≥ 85th percentile for age/gender based on CDC growth chart
- Sickle cell disease
- Congenital or acquired heart disease
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. cerebral palsy)
- Medical-related technological dependence e.g. tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation (not related to COVID-19)
- Asthma, reactive airway, or other chronic respiratory disease that requires daily medication for control
Learn more here: Monoclonal Antibody Infusion FAQ in detail to better understand the select patient population this investigational drug may help and how to seek approval for patient referral.
Filed Under: Features