Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Nebulized beta agonist, nebulized steroid and systemic steroid are being used in acute bronchiolitis treatment, but there is no consensus on the efficiacy of this regimen. In this study, it was planned to compare the clinical efficacy of these agents with uncertain outcomes.

METHODS

The study was done with 360 children aged 2 months to 2 years who were admitted to the Emergency Department with the diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis. Patients were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups; Group A was given 3 consecutive doses of nebulized beta agonist, Group B was given nebulized beta agonist + nebulized steroid and Group C was given nebulized beta agonist + systemic steroid. Pulse rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and respiratory score were recorded at the admission, after 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses and 2 hours later following the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 6.4±3.4 and girls/boys ratio was 6.7. Nebulized beta agonist plus nebulized steroid or systemic steroid had better results when compared to nebulized beta agonist in respect to pulse rate and respiratory score (p<0.05). But nebulized steroid or systemic steroid caused no difference (p>0.05). Need for hospitalization in steroid groups were 18% and 17%, and significantly higher in nebulized beta agonist only group (36%) (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both bronchodilators and steroids were effective in acute bronchiolitis treatment. Adding inhaled or systemic steroids increased efficacy of treatment and decreased need for hospitalization. In order to define the role of these medications in acute bronchiolitis treatment, controlled studies are needed.