Nebulized Hypertonic Saline for Treating Bronchiolitis in Infants – A Randomised Clinical Trial Conducted In Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: Acute bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection in infants which results from inflammatory obstruction of the small airways, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) being the main etiological agent. Aim and Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of 3% HTS nebulization with 0.9% NS nebulization , In hospitalized children with acute bronchiolitis based on time for resolution of signs and symptoms Thereby duration of hospital stay. Study design: A quasi randomized study. Materials and Methods: Children admitted at Niloufer Hospital in PICU with clinical diagnostic criteria of bronchiolitis were randomized into two groups “1” and “2”. “Group 1” subjects were administered 3% HTS nebulization for six doses while “Group 2” children were subjected to 0.9% NS over and above the other medication as required. Clinical severity score (CSS) was done before and after therapeutic intervention and resolution of signs and symptoms in the two groups were compared. Duration of study: Nov 2013 – Oct 2014. Results: The Pre intervention CSS score in 3%HTS group and 0.9% NS group is 10.36 ± 0.62 ; 10.33 ± 0.64 (p = 0.81) respectively. The CSS on day three when compared to day one were lowered by 75% in 3%HTS group and 50% in 0.9%NS group. The duration of hospital stay for the children treated with 3% HTS nebulization was decreased by 25% of average in 0.9% NS group, which is significant. Conclusion: Nebulized 3% HTS therapy in children suffering from acute bronchiolitis is safe and early resolution of signs and symptoms led to decrease in hospital stay.