Nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution treatment in hospitalized infants with viral bronchiolitis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the utility of inhaled hypertonic saline solution to treat infants hospitalized with viral bronchiolitis.


METHODS
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.
Mandelberg
Avigdor
A
Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel. avigdorm@netvision.net.il
Tal
Guy
G
Witzling
Michaela
M
Someck
Eli
E
Houri
Sion
S
Balin
Ami
A
Priel
Israel E
IE
D000208:Acute Disease; D000336:Aerosols; D001990:Bronchiolitis, Viral / Q000628:therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000336:Aerosols; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic; D004837:Epinephrine