title: A randomized, controlled trial of nebulized terbutaline for the first acute bronchiolitis in infants less than 12-months-old.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite the common clinical practice, the available evidence on the efficacy of bronchodilators therapy for bronchiolitis is conflicting. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of nebulized terbutaline in bronchiolitis as measured by improvement in clinical score, oxygen saturation or reduction in duration of hospitalization.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective, double blind, placebo controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed at Children's Hospital of Tunis from December 2004 to April 2006. A total of 35 patients less than 12 months of age with diagnosis of moderately severe bronchiolitis were enrolled and assigned to receive nebulized terbutaline or normal saline placebo at admission (T0), at 30 minutes after admission (T30) and every four hours during a study period. Outcome measurements included: Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI) score, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate and the duration of hospitalization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant difference between terbutaline and placebo at baseline, T30 min, T60 min, and T120 min after start study in RDAI score, oxygen saturation in room air, rate respiratory and heart rate. There was no difference in duration of hospitalization.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nebulized terbutaline therapy does not appear effective in treating moderately ill infants with the first acute bronchiolitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics B of the Children's Hospital of Tunis, Boulevard 9 avril, 1007 Jabbary, Tunis, Tunisia.
authors.forename: Faten
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tinsa
authors.forename: Anis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ben Rhouma
authors.forename: Hadhami
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ghaffari
authors.forename: Khadija
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Boussetta
authors.forename: Bechir
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zouari
authors.forename: Ines
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Brini
authors.forename: Lotfi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Karboul
authors.forename: Mahbouba
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Souid
authors.forename: Souad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bousnina
mesh_terms: D001988:Bronchiolitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D013726:Terbutaline