Nebulized hypertonic saline/salbutamol solution treatment in hospitalized children with mild to moderate bronchiolitis.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution and salbutamol in the treatment of mild to moderate bronchiolitis.


METHODS
In a randomized controlled trial, 93 infants with mild to moderate bronchiolitis were divided into two groups. The infants received inhalation of 2.5 mg (0.5 mL) salbutamol dissolved in either 4.0 mL normal (0.9%) saline (control group, n= 43) or 4.0 mL hypertonic (3%) saline (treatment group, n= 50). The therapy was repeated three times daily until discharge. Cough, wheezing, pulmonary physical signs, and the length of hospital stay were recorded.


RESULTS
Wheezing remission time was 3.8 + or - 1.1 days in the control group and 2.7 + or - 0.9 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). Cough remission time was 6.3 + or - 0.9 days in the control group and 5.3 + or - 0.8 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). The moist crackles disappeared at 5.4 + or - 0.8 days in the treatment group versus 6.2 + or - 0.9 days in the control group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the average length of hospital stay decreased from 7.4 + or - 1.5 days in the control group to 6.0 + or - 1.2 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). No obvious adverse effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Inhalation of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution and salbutamol is a safe and effective therapy for patients with mild to moderate bronchiolitis.
Luo
Zhengxiu
Z
Respiratory Department, Children's Hospital, Chong Qing Medical University, Chongqing, China. luozhengxiu816@163.com
Liu
Enmei
E
Luo
Jian
J
Li
Subi
S
Zeng
Fengqiong
F
Yang
Xiqiang
X
Fu
Zhou
Z
D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001988:Bronchiolitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic; D000420:Albuterol