Nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution treatment in hospitalized infants with viral bronchiolitis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the utility of inhaled hypertonic saline solution to treat infants hospitalized with viral bronchiolitis.

DESIGN:

Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Fifty-two hospitalized infants (mean +/- SD age, 2.9 +/- 2.1 months) with viral bronchiolitis received either inhalation of epinephrine, 1.5 mg, in 4 mL of 0.9% saline solution (group 1; n = 25) or inhalation of epinephrine, 1.5 mg, in 4 mL of 3% saline solution (group 2; n = 27). This therapy was repeated three times every hospitalization day until discharge.

RESULTS:

The percentage improvement in the clinical severity scores after inhalation therapy was not significant in group 1 on the first, second, and third days after hospital admission (3.5%, 2%, and 4%, respectively). In group 2, significant improvement was observed on these days (7.3%, 8.9%, and 10%, respectively; p < 0.001). Also, the improvement in clinical severity scores differed significantly on each of these days between the two groups. Using 3% saline solution decreased the hospitalization stay by 25%: from 4 +/- 1.9 days in group 1 to 3 +/- 1.2 days in group 2 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude that in nonasthmatic, nonseverely ill infants hospitalized with viral bronchiolitis, aerosolized 3% saline solution/1.5 mg epinephrine decreases symptoms and length of hospitalization as compared to 0.9% saline solution/1.5 mg epinephrine.

• Authors: Avigdor Mandelberg, Guy Tal, Michaela Witzling, Eli Someck, Sion Houri, Ami Balin, Israel E Priel
• Journal: Chest (Chest) Vol. 123 Issue 2 Pg. 481-7 (Feb 2003) ISSN: 0012-3692 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12576370 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Aerosols
• Saline Solution, Hypertonic
• Epinephrine

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Aerosols
• Bronchiolitis, Viral (therapy)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Epinephrine (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Hospitalization
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Male
• Nebulizers and Vaporizers
• Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
• Saline Solution, Hypertonic (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome