South African guideline for the diagnosis, management and prevention of acute viral bronchiolitis in children.
BACKGROUND
South African Thoracic Society, South African Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, United South African Neonatal Association.


OBJECTIVE
To develop and publish a guideline for doctors managing acute viral bronchiolitis, because this condition is extremely common in South Africa, it is responsible for significant morbidity in the population, and subsequently a great deal of patient and parental distress, and the disease is costly, since many children are unnecessarily subjected to investigations and treatment strategies that are of no proven benefit. The main aims of the guideline are to promote an improved standard of treatment based on understanding of the disease and its management, and to encourage cost-effective and appropriate management.


METHODS
A detailed literature review was conducted and summarised into this document by a selected working group of paediatricians from around the country. Recommendations. These include the appropriate diagnostic and management strategies for acute viral bronchiolitis.
Green
Robin J
RJ
University of Pretoria. robin.green@up.ac.za
Zar
Heather J
HJ
Jeena
Prakash M
PM
Madhi
Shabir A
SA
Lewis
Humphrey
H
D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001990:Bronchiolitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000592:standards*; D012621:Seasons; D013019:South Africa
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents