The pharmacologic mechanism by which inhaled epinephrine reduces airway obstruction in respiratory syncytial virus-associated bronchiolitis.
Inhaled racemic epinephrine relieves airway obstruction in patients with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. The contribution of alpha- versus beta-adrenoreceptor stimulation toward this clinical effect is unknown. We describe an infant treated with propranolol for supraventricular tachycardia in whom respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis developed. Inhaled racemic epinephrine improved his respiratory symptoms, whereas nebulized albuterol did not.
Barr
F E
FE
Division of Pediatric Critical Care and Anesthesia, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-1565, USA.
Patel
N R
NR
Newth
C J
CJ
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000322:Adrenergic Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001990:Bronchiolitis, Viral / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D064705:Racepinephrine; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000188:drug therapy
D000322:Adrenergic Agonists; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D011433:Propranolol; D064705:Racepinephrine; D004837:Epinephrine