Nebulized hypertonic saline in the treatment of viral bronchiolitis in infants.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the use of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline (HS) for treating viral bronchiolitis in moderately ill hospitalized infants by a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled, multicenter trial.


METHODS
A total of 96 infants (mean age, 4.7 months; range, 0.3 to 18 months) admitted to the hospital for treatment of viral bronchiolitis were recruited from 3 regional pediatric centers over 3 bronchiolitis seasons (December 2003 to May 2006). Patients were randomized to receive, in a double-blind fashion, repeated doses of nebulized 3% HS (treatment group) or 0.9% normal saline (NS; control group), in addition to routine therapy ordered by the attending physician. The principal outcome measure was hospital length of stay (LOS).


RESULTS
On an intention-to-treat basis, the infants in the HS group had a clinically relevant 26% reduction in LOS to 2.6 +/- 1.9 days, compared with 3.5 +/- 2.9 days in the NS group (P = .05). The treatment was well tolerated, with no adverse effects attributable to the use of HS.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of nebulized 3% HS is a safe, inexpensive, and effective treatment for infants hospitalized with moderately severe viral bronchiolitis.
Kuzik
Brian A
BA
Department of Paediatrics, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. briankuzik@hotmail.com
Al-Qadhi
Samim A
SA
Kent
Steven
S
Flavin
Michael P
MP
Hopman
Wilma
W
Hotte
Simon
S
Gander
Sarah
S
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D001990:Bronchiolitis, Viral / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic; D010100:Oxygen