Sevoflurane inhalation for severe bronchial obstruction in infants with bronchiolitis.

Abstract

Bronchiolitis is a lower respiratory tract viral infection which may result in severe bronchial obstruction and respiratory failure despite treatment with beta-adrenergic agonists and glucocorticoids. Here we describe two otherwise healthy infants with severe bronchiolitis whose clinical course was complicated by marked bronchial obstruction and respiratory acidosis refractory to conventional medications (β-stimulants, anticholinergics and corticosteroids) and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Sevoflurane inhalation allowed both infants to attain a sustained, clinical improvement in ventilation and one patient to avoid mechanical ventilation. We suggest that sevoflurane inhalation may be a therapeutic option in the treatment of young infants with severe bronchiolitis who respond poorly to conventional therapy.

• Authors: P Papoff, E Caresta, S Gazzanelli, R Pinto, C Cerasaro, C Moretti, F Midulla
• Journal: International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology (Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol) 2012 Apr-Jun Vol. 25 Issue 2 Pg. 493-7 ISSN: 0394-6320 [Print] England
• PMID: 22697081 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Letter)

Chemical References

• Bronchodilator Agents
• Methyl Ethers
• Sevoflurane

Topics

• Acidosis, Respiratory (drug therapy, etiology)
• Administration, Inhalation
• Airway Obstruction (drug therapy, etiology)
• Bronchiolitis (complications, diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Bronchodilator Agents (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Methyl Ethers (administration & dosage)
• Respiration, Artificial
• Severity of Illness Index
• Sevoflurane
• Treatment Outcome