Albuterol, Epinephrine, and Normal Saline for Bronchiolitis
Max Rubinstein
Benjamin A. Nelson
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of Nebulized Therapy With Epinephrine Compared With Albuterol and Saline in Infants Hospitalized for Acute Viral Bronchiolitis
Patel H, Platt RW, Pekeles GS, et al. J Pediatr. 2002;141(6):818–824
Background
Approximately 100,000 infants in the US are admitted annually for bronchiolitis, with a total cost of $1.7 billion.1 Despite its high incidence, there is a frustrating lack of effective disease-specific therapy. Nebulized albuterol and epinephrine are often trialed to treat infants’ work of breathing and hypoxemia. This study sought to assess their effectiveness in reducing length of stay, thereby reducing bronchiolitis’ impact on healthcare costs.
Objectives
To compare length of stay in infants admitted with bronchiolitis treated with nebulized albuterol, epinephrine, and normal saline (placebo).
Methods
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial in a single hospital in Canada from 1998 to 2000.
Patients
149 infants age <12 months hospitalized with clinically defined bronchiolitis (oxygen saturation <95% on room air, poor feeding, lethargy, sustained tachypnea, or other concerning signs). Select exclusion criteria: history of wheezing, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and intensive care unit admission.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
