Bronchodilators for bronchiolitis

High-flow nasal cannula therapy for infants with bronchiolitis

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract illness, usually of viral aetiology, affecting infants younger than 24 months of age and is the most common cause of hospitalisation of infants. It causes airway inflammation, mucus production and mucous plugging, resulting in airway obstruction. Effective pharmacotherapy is lacking and bronchiolitis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Conventional treatment consists of supportive therapy in the form of fluids, supplemental oxygen, and respiratory support. Traditionally, oxygen delivery is as a dry gas at 100% concentration via low-flow nasal prongs. However, the use of heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy enables delivery of higher inspired gas flows of an air/oxygen blend, at 2 to 3 L/kg per minute up to 60 L/min in children. It can provide some level of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to improve ventilation in a minimally invasive manner. This may reduce the need for invasive respiratory support, thus potentially lowering costs, with clinical advantages and fewer adverse effects.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of HFNC therapy compared with conventional respiratory support in the treatment of infants with bronchiolitis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, and Web of Science (from June 2013 to December 2022). In addition, we consulted ongoing trial registers and experts in the field to identify ongoing studies, checked reference lists of relevant articles, and searched for conference abstracts. Date restrictions were imposed such that we only searched for studies published after the original version of this review.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that assessed the effects of HFNC (delivering oxygen or oxygen/room air blend at flow rates greater than 4 L/minute) compared to conventional treatment in infants (< 24 months) with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently used a standard template to assess trials for inclusion and extract data on study characteristics, risk of bias elements, and outcomes. We contacted trial authors to request missing data. Outcome measures included the need for invasive respiratory support and time until discharge, clinical severity measures, oxygen saturation, duration of oxygen therapy, and adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

In this update we included 15 new RCTs (2794 participants), bringing the total number of RCTs to 16 (2813 participants). Of the 16 studies, 11 compared high-flow to low-flow, and five compared high-flow to CPAP. These studies included infants less than 24 months of age as stated in our selection criteria. There were no significant differences in sex. We found that when comparing high-flow to low-flow oxygen therapy for infants with bronchiolitis there may be a reduction in the total length of hospital stay (mean difference (MD) -0.65 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.23 to -0.06; P < 0.00001, I2 = 89%; 7 studies, 1951 participants; low-certainty evidence). There may also be a reduction in the duration of oxygen therapy (MD -0.59 days, 95% CI -1 to -0.18; P < 0.00001, I2 = 86%; 7 studies, 2132 participants; low-certainty evidence). We also found that there was probably an improvement in respiratory rate at one and 24 hours, and heart rate at one, four to six, and 24 hours in those receiving high-flow oxygen therapy when compared to pre-intervention baselines. There was also probably a reduced risk of treatment escalation in those receiving high-flow when compared to low-flow oxygen therapy (risk ratio (RR) 0.55, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.79; P = 0.001, I2 = 43%; 8 studies, 2215 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We found no difference in the incidence of adverse events (RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.38 to 3.74; P = 0.76, I2 = 26%; 4 studies, 1789 participants; low-certainty evidence) between the two groups. The lack of comparable outcomes in studies comparing high-flow and CPAP, as well as the small numbers of participants, limited our ability to perform meta-analysis on this group.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

High-flow nasal cannula therapy may have some benefits over low-flow oxygen for infants with bronchiolitis in terms of a greater improvement in respiratory and heart rates, as well as a modest reduction in the length of hospital stay and duration of oxygen therapy, with a reduced incidence of treatment escalation. There does not appear to be a difference in the number of adverse events. Further studies comparing high-flow nasal cannula therapy and CPAP are required to demonstrate the efficacy of one modality over the other. A standardised clinical definition of bronchiolitis, as well as the use of a validated clinical severity score, would allow for greater and more accurate comparison between studies.

Treatment of the most common respiratory infections in children

Acute respiratory infections are the most common group of infective diseases in the pediatric population. Although the improvement of health care and vaccination program has led to a significant reduction in the incidence of certain respiratory infections, the combination of a high prevalence in vulnerable pediatric categories and uncritical prescription of antibiotics, due to the inability to adequately distinguish between viruses and bacterial etiology, still represents a significant challenge for the public health system. In order to promote rational antibiotic therapy with an overall improvement of both diagnostic and therapeutic principles, acute respiratory diseases have been the subject of consideration in numerous publications and national guidelines. Nonspecific clinical manifestations with pathogen heterogeneity and both anatomical and physiological characteristics of the child's respiratory system during growth and development have created the need for individualized therapy. Since the guidelines emphasize the undoubtful and crucial benefits of symptomatic therapy (e.g. analgesics in acute otitis media, supplemental oxygen in lower respiratory tract infections with hypoxemia), the use of antibiotics and corticosteroids is indicated in selected cases with a severe clinical picture. The choice of antibiotic depends on the clinical condition, presumed causative agent, and local epidemiologic circumstances. Respiratory support (oxygen therapy and/or artificial ventilation) is reserved for inpatient treatment of cases with a particularly severe clinical picture and associated complications.

Conditions of vulnerability to the inadequate treatment of bronchiolitis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To analyze clinical and demographic variables possibly associated with the prescriptions of non-recommended but routinely used therapies for infants with acute viral bronchiolitis. METHODS A cross-sectional study included hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. Those with other associated infections and/or morbidities were excluded. The data were collected from medical records. RESULTS Among 120 cases, 90% used inhaled beta-agonists, 72.5% corticosteroids, 40% antibiotics, and 66.7% inhaled hypertonic saline solution. The use of bronchodilators did not present an independent association with another variable. More frequent use of corticosteroids was associated with low oximetry, longer hospitalization time, and age>3 months. Antibiotic therapy was associated with the presence of fever, longer hospitalization, and age>3 months. Inhaled hypertonic saline solution was associated with longer hospitalization time. CONCLUSIONS Non-recommended prescriptions were frequent. Corticosteroid and antibiotic therapy were associated with signs of severity, as expected, but interestingly, they were more frequently used in infants above 3m, which suggested less safety in the diagnosis of viral bronchiolitis in these patients. The use of bronchodilators was even more worrying since they were indiscriminately used, without association with another variable related to the severity or characteristics of the host. The use of the inhaled hypertonic solution, although not associated with severity, seems to have implied a longer hospitalization time. The identification of these conditions of greater vulnerability to the prescription of inappropriate therapies contributes to the implantation of protocols for the bronchiolitis treatment, for continuing education and for analysis of the effectiveness of the strategies employed.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis in Infancy: The Acute Hospitalization Cost

Introduction: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is among the leading causes of hospitalization in infants. Prophylaxis with palivizumab may reduce RSV infection, but its prescription is restricted to high-risk groups. The aim of the study is to retrospectively determine acute hospitalization costs of bronchiolitis. Materials and methods: Infants aged 1 month-1 year, admitted to Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy, with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis from January 1 till December 31, 2017, were included in the study. Results: A total of 531 patients were enrolled in the study, and the mean age was 78.75 days. The main etiologic agent causing bronchiolitis was RSV, accounting for 58.38% of infections. The total cost of bronchiolitis hospitalization was 2,958,786 euros. The mean cost per patient was significantly higher in the case of RSV (5,753.43 ± 2,041.62 euros) compared to other etiology (5,395.15 ± 2,040.87 euros) (p = 0.04). Discussion: The study confirms the high hospitalization cost associated with bronchiolitis. In detail, in the case of RSV etiology, the cost was higher compared to other etiology, which is likely due to the longer hospitalization and the more frequent admission to the intensive cure department. Conclusion: This study highlights that bronchiolitis is an important cost item even in a tertiary hospital and that cost-effective interventions targeting RSV are increasingly urgent.

Multicenter Study of Albuterol Use Among Infants Hospitalized with Bronchiolitis

INTRODUCTION

Although bronchiolitis is a common reason for infant hospitalization, significant heterogeneity persists in its management. The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that inhaled albuterol not be used in routine care of children with bronchiolitis. Our objective was to identify factors associated with pre-admission (e.g., emergency department or primary care) use of albuterol among infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a 17-center observational study of 1,016 infants (age <1 year) hospitalized with bronchiolitis between 2011-2014. Pre-admission albuterol use was ascertained by chart review, and data were available for 1,008 (99%) infants. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify infant characteristics independently associated with pre-admission albuterol use.

RESULTS

Half of the infants (n=508) received at least one albuterol treatment before admission. Across the 17 hospitals, pre-admission albuterol use ranged from 23-84%. In adjusted analysis, independent predictors of albuterol use were the following: age ≥2 months (age 2.0-5.9 months [odds ratio (OR) 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) {1.45-3.01}] and age 6.0-11.9 months [OR 2.89, 95% CI {1.99-4.19}]); prior use of a bronchodilator (OR 1.89, 95% CI [1.24-2.90]); and presence of wheezing documented in pre-admission chart (OR 3.94, 95% CI [2.61-5.93]). By contrast, albuterol use was less likely among those with ≥7 days since the start of breathing problem (OR 0.66, 95% CI [0.44-1.00]) and parent-reported fever (OR 0.75, 95% CI [0.58-0.96]).

CONCLUSION

Variation in pre-admission albuterol use suggests that local practice had a strong influence on use, but that patient characteristics also influenced the decision. While we agree with current guidelines in recommending against albuterol for all infants with bronchiolitis, our understanding of possible subgroups of responders may improve through investigation of infants with the identified characteristics.

Viral bronchiolitis management in hospitals in the UK

BACKGROUND

Viral bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalisation in infants less than a year old. The United Kingdom (UK) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published a guideline for the management of viral bronchiolitis in June 2015.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to prospectively survey the management of viral bronchiolitis in hospital Trusts in the UK to provide a baseline of practice prior to the publication of the 2015 NICE bronchiolitis guideline against which future practice can be assessed.

STUDY DESIGN

An electronic, structured questionnaire was sent to hospital paediatricians in the UK prior to the publication of the NICE bronchiolitis guideline via the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health e-portfolio system to assess the quality of Trust's viral bronchiolitis management guidelines.

RESULTS

Paediatricians from 111 (65% of all) UK Trusts completed an electronic questionnaire. 91% of Trusts had a bronchiolitis guideline. Overall only 18% of Trusts would be fully compliant with the NICE guideline. Between 43-100% of Trusts would be compliant with different sections of the guideline. There was variation in hospital admission criteria with respect to the need for supplemental oxygen (oxygen saturations <88% to <95%). 'Unnecessary' medications (especially bronchodilators, nebulised hypertonic saline and antibiotics) and investigations (chest x-ray and blood gas) were regularly advised. 72% of Trusts advised respiratory virus testing in all hospitalised infants and 64% created bronchiolitis bays to cohort infants.

CONCLUSIONS

There was wide variation in the management of infants with bronchiolitis in Trusts. Most bronchiolitic infants are not managed optimally in hospitals. Future guidelines should include advice on virus testing and isolation/cohorting.

Reducing unnecessary chest X-rays, antibiotics and bronchodilators through implementation of the NICE bronchiolitis guideline

Chest X-rays (CXR), antibiotics and inhaled/nebulized therapy are overused in bronchiolitis, despite evidence-based guidelines suggesting supportive management only. This study investigates the effect of the implementation of the NICE bronchiolitis guideline in a secondary paediatric unit in England. We present a quality improvement project with a completed audit cycle (winter 2014-2015 and 2015-2016) pre- and post-implementation of the NICE bronchiolitis guideline. The educational intervention included sessions for raising awareness of appropriate and inappropriate management of bronchiolitis for both clinicians and nursing staff. As a result, the number of chest radiographs reduced fivefold (from 20 to 4% of patients, absolute reduction 16%), antibiotics reduced more than threefold (from 22 to 6% of patients, absolute reduction 16%) and inhaled/nebulised treatment up to twofold (from 30 to 16%, absolute reduction 14%). Overall NICE guideline compliance rose from 28 to 63%.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of the NICE bronchiolitis guideline supported by a simple educational intervention can effectively reduce the number of inappropriate chest radiographs and antibiotic prescribing in bronchiolitis, and enhance compliance with the NICE guideline. What is Known: • Bronchiolitis management in paediatric units in the UK is variable, with poor evidence for existing guidance. Best available evidence was compiled into the NICE guideline, aiming to standardize care. • Some evidence exists for the effectiveness of quality improvement approaches to improve the management of bronchiolitis. What is New: • NICE guidance can be effectively applied to a department using simple educational tools. • Effective NICE implementation reduces the rates of unnecessary chest radiograph and antibiotic administration for patients admitted with bronchiolitis in District General Hospitals.

Infections and Asthma

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Wheezing viral respiratory illnesses are the most common initial presentation of childhood asthma.

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Once asthma is established, viral infections, most notably rhinovirus (RV), are the most frequent trigger of severe asthma exacerbations. RV-C appears to be a particularly pathogenic virus in children with asthma.

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Evidence has recently emerged to suggest that bacterial pathogens in the lower airway may contribute to the expression of asthma. Ongoing studies are critical to our understanding of the role of the airway microbiome in asthma inception and exacerbation.

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Synergistic interactions between underlying allergy and virus infections play an important mechanistic role in asthma inception and exacerbation, and are an important therapeutic target.

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Novel therapies are needed to prevent and treat virus-induced wheezing and asthma exacerbations.

Allergic diseases and the effect of inhaled epinephrine in children with acute bronchiolitis: follow-up from the randomised, controlled, double-blind, Bronchiolitis ALL trial

BACKGROUND

Although use of inhaled bronchodilators in infants with acute bronchiolitis is not supported by evidence-based guidelines, it is often justified by the belief in a subgroup effect in individuals developing atopic disease. We aimed to assess if inhaled epinephrine during acute bronchiolitis in infancy would benefit patients with later recurrent bronchial obstruction, atopic eczema, or allergic sensitisation.

METHODS

In the randomised, double-blind, multicentre Bronchiolitis ALL trial, 404 infants with moderate-to-severe acute bronchiolitis were recruited from eight hospitals in Norway to receive either inhaled epinephrine or saline up to every second hour throughout the hospital stay. Randomisation was done centrally, and the two study medications (20 mg/mL racemic epinephrine or 0.9% saline) were prepared in identical bottles. The dose given depended on the infant's weight: 0.10 mL, less than 5 kg; 0.15 mL, 5-6.9 kg; 0.2 mL, 7-9.9 kg; and 0.25 mL, 10 kg or more; all dissolved in 2 mL of 0.9% saline before nebulisation. The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay. In this follow-up study, 294 children were reinvestigated at 2 years of age with an interview, a clinical examination, and a skin prick test for 17 allergens, determining bronchial obstruction, atopic eczema, and allergic sensitisation, on which subgroup analyses were done. Analyses were done by intention to treat. The trial has been completed and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT00817466) and EUDRACT (number 2009-012667-34).

FINDINGS

Length of stay did not differ between patients who received inhaled epinephrine versus saline in the subgroup of infants who developed recurrent bronchial obstruction by age 2 years (143 [48.6%] of 294 patients; p(interaction)=0.40). However, the presence of atopic eczema or allergic sensitisation by the age of 2 years (n=77) significantly interacted with the treatment effect of inhaled epinephrine (p(interaction)=0.02); the length of stay (mean 80.3 h, 95% CI 72.8-87.9) was significantly shorter in patients receiving inhaled epinephrine versus saline in patients without allergic sensitisation or atopic eczema by 2 years (-19.9 h, -33.1 to -6.3; p=0.003). No significant differences were found in length of hospital stay in response to epinephrine or saline in children with atopic eczema or allergic sensitisation by 2 years (+16.2 h, -11.0 to 43.3; p=0.24).

INTERPRETATION

Contrary to our hypothesis, hospital length of stay for bronchiolitis was not reduced by administration of inhaled epinephrine in infants who subsequently developed atopic eczema, allergic sensitisation, or recurrent bronchial obstruction. The present study does not support an individual trial of inhaled epinephrine in acute bronchiolitis in children with increased risk of allergic diseases.

FUNDING

Medicines for Children Network, Norway.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for acute bronchiolitis in children

BACKGROUND

Acute bronchiolitis is one of the most frequent causes of emergency department visits and hospitalisation in infants. There is no specific treatment for bronchiolitis except for supportive therapy. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is supposed to widen the peripheral airways of the lung, allowing deflation of over-distended lungs in bronchiolitis. The increase in airway pressure also prevents the collapse of poorly supported peripheral small airways during expiration. In observational studies, CPAP is found to be beneficial in acute bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of CPAP compared to no CPAP or sham CPAP in infants and children up to three years of age with acute bronchiolitis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (2014, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1946 to April week 2, 2014), EMBASE (1974 to April 2014), CINAHL (1981 to April 2014) and LILACS (1982 to April 2014).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTS, cross-over RCTs and cluster-RCTs evaluating the effect of CPAP in children with acute bronchiolitis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data using a structured proforma, analysed the data and performed meta-analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

We included two studies with a total of 50 participants under 12 months of age. In one study there was a high risk of bias for incomplete outcome data and selective reporting, and both studies had an unclear risk of bias for several domains including random sequence generation. The effect of CPAP on the need for mechanical ventilation in children with acute bronchiolitis was uncertain due to imprecision around the effect estimate (two RCTs, 50 participants; risk ratio (RR) 0.19, 95% CI 0.01 to 3.63; low quality evidence). Neither trial measured our other primary outcome of time to recovery. One trial found that CPAP significantly improved respiratory rate compared with no CPAP (one RCT, 19 participants; mean difference (MD) -5.70 breaths per minute, 95% CI -9.30 to -2.10), although the other study reported no difference between groups with no numerical data to pool. Change in arterial oxygen saturation was measured in only one trial and the results were imprecise (one RCT, 19 participants; MD -1.70%, 95% CI -3.76 to 0.36). The effect of CPAP on the change in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) was also imprecise (two RCTs, 50 participants; MD -2.62 mmHg, 95% CI -5.29 to 0.05; low quality evidence). Duration of hospital stay was similar in both of the groups (two RCTs, 50 participants; MD 0.07 days, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.50; low quality evidence). Both trials reported no cases of pneumothorax and there were no deaths in either study. Change in partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), hospital admission rate (from emergency department to hospital), duration of emergency department stay, need for intensive care unit admission, local nasal effects and shock were not measured in either study.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The effect of CPAP in children with acute bronchiolitis is uncertain due to the limited evidence available. Larger trials with adequate power are needed to evaluate the effect of CPAP in children with acute bronchiolitis.

Nebulized hypertonic saline treatment reduces both rate and duration of hospitalization for acute bronchiolitis in infants: an updated meta-analysis

Nebulized hypertonic saline (HS) treatment reduced the length of hospitalization in infants with acute bronchiolitis in a previous meta-analysis. However, there was no reduction in the admission rate. We hypothesized that nebulized HS treatment might significantly decrease both the duration and the rate of hospitalization if more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) without a language restriction. A meta-analysis was performed based on the efficacy of nebulized HS treatment in infants with acute bronchiolitis. We used weighted mean difference (WMD) and risk ratio as effect size metrics. Eleven studies were identified that enrolled 1070 infants. Nebulized HS treatment significantly decreased the duration and rate of hospitalization compared with nebulized normal saline (NS) [duration of hospitalization: WMD = -0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.38 to -0.54, p < 0.001; rate of hospitalization: risk ratio = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.37-0.93, p = 0.02]. Furthermore, nebulized HS treatment had a beneficial effect in reducing the clinical severity (CS) score of acute bronchiolitis infants post-treatment (Day 1: WMD = -0.77, 95% CI = -1.30 to -0.24, p = 0.005; Day 2: WMD = -0.85, 95% CI = -1.30 to -0.39, p < 0.001; Day 3: WMD = -1.14, 95% CI = -1.69 to -0.58, p < 0.001). There was no decrease in the rate of readmission (risk ratio = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.68-1.73, p = 0.74). Nebulized HS treatment significantly decreased both the rate and the duration of hospitalization. Due to the efficacy and cost-effectiveness, HS should be considered for the treatment of acute bronchiolitis in infants.

Utilisation and off-label prescriptions of respiratory drugs in children

Respiratory drugs are widely used in children to treat labeled and non-labeled indications but only some data are available quantifying comprehensively off-label usage. Thus, we aim to analyse drug utilisation and off-label prescribing of respiratory drugs focusing on age- and indication-related off-label use. Patients aged ≤18 years documented in the Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians database (approx. 2 million children) between 2004 and 2008 were included in our study. Annual period prevalence rates (PPRs) per 10,000 children and the proportion of age- and indication-related off-label prescriptions were calculated and stratified by age and gender. Within the study period, highest PPRs were found for the fixed combination of clenbuterol/ambroxol (between 374–575 per 10,000 children) and the inhaled short acting beta-2-agonist salbutamol (between 378–527 per 10,000 children). Highest relative PPR increase was found for oral salbutamol (approx. 39-fold) whereas the most distinct decrease was found for oral long-acting beta-2-agonist clenbuterol (−97%). Compound classes most frequently involved in off-label prescribing were inhaled bronchodilative compounds (91,402; 37.3%) and oral beta-2-agonists (26,850; 22.5%). The highest absolute number of off-label prescriptions were found for inhaled salbutamol (n = 67,084; 42.0%) and oral clenbuterol/ambroxol (fixed combination, n = 18,897; 20.7%). Off-label prescribing due to indication was of much greater relevance than age-related off-label use. Most frequently, bronchodilative compounds were used off-label to treat respiratory tract infections. Highest off-label prescription rates were found in the youngest patients without relevant gender-related differences. Off-label prescribing of respiratory drugs is common especially in young children. Bronchodilative drugs were most frequently used off-label for treating acute bronchitis or upper respiratory tract infections underlining the essential need for a more rational prescribing in this area.

Bronchiolitis

This article discusses and evaluates the management options for children with bronchiolitis, and identifies children at high risk of a clinically severe illness.

Bronchodilators for bronchiolitis

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is an acute, viral lower respiratory tract infection affecting infants and is sometimes treated with bronchodilators.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of bronchodilators on clinical outcomes in infants (0 to 12 months) with acute bronchiolitis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL 2013, Issue 12, MEDLINE (1966 to January Week 2, 2014) and EMBASE (1998 to January 2014).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing bronchodilators (other than epinephrine) with placebo for bronchiolitis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors assessed trial quality and extracted data. We obtained unpublished data from trial authors.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 30 trials (35 data sets) representing 1992 infants with bronchiolitis. In 11 inpatient and 10 outpatient studies, oxygen saturation did not improve with bronchodilators (mean difference (MD) -0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.92 to 0.06, n = 1242). Outpatient bronchodilator treatment did not reduce the rate of hospitalization (11.9% in bronchodilator group versus 15.9% in placebo group, odds ratio (OR) 0.75, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.21, n = 710). Inpatient bronchodilator treatment did not reduce the duration of hospitalization (MD 0.06, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.39, n = 349).Effect estimates for inpatients (MD -0.62, 95% CI -1.40 to 0.16) were slightly larger than for outpatients (MD -0.25, 95% CI -0.61 to 0.11) for oximetry. Oximetry outcomes showed significant heterogeneity (I(2) statistic = 81%). Including only studies with low risk of bias had little impact on the overall effect size of oximetry (MD -0.38, 95% CI -0.75 to 0.00) but results were close to statistical significance.In eight inpatient studies, there was no change in average clinical score (standardized MD (SMD) -0.14, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.12) with bronchodilators. In nine outpatient studies, the average clinical score decreased slightly with bronchodilators (SMD -0.42, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.06), a statistically significant finding of questionable clinical importance. The clinical score outcome showed significant heterogeneity (I(2) statistic = 73%). Including only studies with low risk of bias reduced the heterogeneity but had little impact on the overall effect size of average clinical score (SMD -0.22, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.03).Sub-analyses limited to nebulized albuterol or salbutamol among outpatients (nine studies) showed no effect on oxygen saturation (MD -0.19, 95% CI -0.59 to 0.21, n = 572), average clinical score (SMD -0.36, 95% CI -0.83 to 0.11, n = 532) or hospital admission after treatment (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.33, n = 404).Adverse effects included tachycardia, oxygen desaturation and tremors.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Bronchodilators such as albuterol or salbutamol do not improve oxygen saturation, do not reduce hospital admission after outpatient treatment, do not shorten the duration of hospitalization and do not reduce the time to resolution of illness at home. Given the adverse side effects and the expense associated with these treatments, bronchodilators are not effective in the routine management of bronchiolitis. This meta-analysis continues to be limited by the small sample sizes and the lack of standardized study design and validated outcomes across the studies. Future trials with large sample sizes, standardized methodology across clinical sites and consistent assessment methods are needed to answer completely the question of efficacy.

Comparative effectiveness of implementation of a nursing-driven protocol in reducing bronchodilator utilization for hospitalized children with bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVE

The goal of our study was to determine whether the administration of bronchodilators is affected by implementation of a nursing-driven protocol in the care of children hospitalized with bronchiolitis.

METHODS

We included children less than 2 years old, hospitalized with bronchiolitis, but without chronic lung problems, immunodeficiencies or congenital heart disease in the 1-year periods before, during and after implementation of a nursing-driven bronchiolitis protocol. The protocol is based on nursing assessments of respiratory status prior to initiation and continuation of bronchodilator therapy. Utilization rates of bronchodilators were compared with respect to implementation of the nursing-driven protocol using Chi-square, analysis of variance, and regression analysis that is presented as adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the OR.

RESULTS

Among the 80 children who were hospitalized before, 63 during and 89 after the implementation of the nursing-driven bronchiolitis protocol, 70.0, 60.3, and 29.2%, respectively, received treatment with bronchodilators (P < 0.0001). Reduction in the use of bronchodilators in association with the implementation of the nursing-driven bronchiolitis protocol was also observed after controlling for the child's age and evidence of pneumonia (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.61-0.79). The mean number of bronchodilator doses administered among patients in the three groups who received at least one treatment was comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a nursing-driven bronchiolitis protocol was associated with significant reduction in initiation of bronchodilator treatments, which suggests a benefit from nursing involvement in the promotion of evidence-based recommendations in the management of children hospitalized with bronchiolitis.

Diagnosis, management, and prognosis of preschool wheeze

Preschool children (ie, those aged 5 years or younger) with wheeze consume a disproportionately high amount of health-care resources compared with older children and adults with wheeze or asthma, representing a diagnostic challenge. Although several phenotype classifications have been described, none have been validated to identify individuals responding to specific therapeutic approaches. Several risk factors related to genetic, prenatal, and postnatal environment are associated with preschool wheezing. Findings from several cohort studies have shown that preschool children with wheeze have deficits in lung function at 6 years of age that persisted until early and middle adulthood, suggesting increased susceptibility in the first years of life that might lead to persistent sequelae. Daily inhaled corticosteroids seem to be the most effective therapy for recurrent wheezing in trials of children with interim symptoms or atopy; intermittent high-dose inhaled corticosteroids are effective in moderate-to-severe viral-induced wheezing without interim symptoms. The role of leukotriene receptor antagonist is less clear. Interventions to modify the short-term and long-term outcomes of preschool wheeze should be a research priority.

High-flow nasal cannula therapy for infants with bronchiolitis

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract illness, usually of viral aetiology, affecting infants younger than 24 months of age and is a frequent cause of hospitalisation. It causes airway inflammation, mucus production and mucous plugging, resulting in airway obstruction. Effective pharmacotherapy is lacking and bronchiolitis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.Conventional treatment consists of supportive therapy in the form of fluids, supplemental oxygen and respiratory support. Traditionally oxygen delivery is as a dry gas at 100% concentration via low-flow nasal prongs. However, the use of heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy enables delivery of higher inspired gas flows of an air/oxygen blend, up to 12 L/min in infants and 30 L/min in children. Its use provides some level of continuous positive airway pressure to improve ventilation in a minimally invasive manner. This may reduce the need for invasive respiratory support thus potentially lowering costs, with clinical advantages and fewer adverse effects.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of HFNC therapy compared with conventional respiratory support in the treatment of infants with bronchiolitis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (2013, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1946 to May week 1, 2013), EMBASE (January 2010 to May 2013), CINAHL (1981 to May 2013), LILACS (1982 to May 2013) and Web of Science (1985 to May 2013). In addition we consulted ongoing trial registers and experts in the field to identify ongoing studies, checked reference lists of relevant articles and searched conference abstracts.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs which assessed the effects of HFNC (delivering oxygen or oxygen/room air blend at flow rates greater than 4 L/min) compared to conventional treatment in infants (< 24 months) with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently used a standard template to assess trials for inclusion and extract data on study characteristics, 'Risk of bias' elements and outcomes. We contacted trial authors to request missing data. Outcome measures included the need for invasive respiratory support and time until discharge, clinical severity measures, oxygen saturation, duration of oxygen therapy and adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

We included one RCT which was a pilot study with 19 participants that compared HFNC therapy with oxygen delivery via a head box. In this study, we judged the risk of selection, attrition and reporting bias to be low, and we judged the risk of performance and detection bias to be unclear due to lack of blinding. The median oxygen saturation (SpO2) was higher in the HFNC group at eight hours (100% versus 96%, P = 0.04) and at 12 hours (99% versus 96%, P = 0.04) but similar at 24 hours. There was no clear evidence of a difference in total duration of oxygen therapy, time to discharge or total length of stay between groups. No adverse events were reported in either group and no participants in either group required further respiratory support. Five ongoing trials were identified but no data were available in May 2013. We were not able to perform a meta-analysis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of HFNC therapy for treating infants with bronchiolitis. The current evidence in this review is of low quality, from one small study with uncertainty about the estimates of effect and an unclear risk of performance and detection bias. The included study provides some indication that HFNC therapy is feasible and well tolerated. Further research is required to determine the role of HFNC in the management of bronchiolitis in infants. The results of the ongoing studies identified will contribute to the evidence in future updates of this review.

[Management of bronchiolitis in general practice and determinants of treatment being discordant with guidelines of the HAS]

INTRODUCTION

The Haute autorité de santé released clinical practice guidelines in 2000 to assist in the management of bronchiolitis. These guidelines emphasized supportive care with nasal suctioning and encouraged chest physiotherapy. The aim of this study was to examine the adherence to the french guidelines for the management of bronchiolitis by general practitioners.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included infants less than 24 months of age with bronchiolitis, consulting a general practitioner in Vendée or in Loire-Atlantique, from November 2011 to April 2012 and whose parents accepted to participate to the study. The primary endpoint was the concordance of therapeutic practice with the french guidelines (administrated treatments, refer to pediatric emergencies). Data were collected through questionaires completed by general practitioners.

RESULTS

Of the 1236 questionnaires distributed, 134 were completed and 118 therapeutic practice were analyzed. A total of 52.5% of therapeutic practice were concordant with guidelines and 57.5% in case of first bronchiolitis. 50% of infants with a hospitalization criteria according to the guidelines, have not been, which probably shows the interest of new guidelines, with highlighting of hospitalization criteria.

The clinical management of preterm infants with bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to determine physician management choices for hospitalized premature infants with bronchiolitis compared with erm infants and to evaluate predictors of steroid use in premature infants.

METHODS

A chart review was conducted of premature and nonpremature infants admitted to 2 children's hospitals with bronchiolitis. Reviewers selected charts based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes and collected demographic and historical information, as well as evaluation, treatment, treatment effectiveness, length of stay, hospital readmission rates, and adverse outcomes. Reviewers compared documented rates of utilization and effectiveness of inhaled racemic epinephrine and albuterol between patients with and without a history of prematurity. Patients with a history of prematurity underwent subgroup analysis of factors relating to steroid use.

RESULTS

A total of 1223 patients met the study criteria for inclusion. Premature infants represented 19% of all children hospitalized with bronchiolitis. These infants had a longer length of stay (3.8 vs 2.6 days; P < .001) and a more severe hospital course. Rates of inhaled therapy and steroid utilization did not differ between premature and term infants. There was no difference in rates of documented positive response to albuterol, but premature infants were more likely to have a positive response to epinephrine. Steroid use in premature infants was associated with older age, history of wheeze, and albuterol use; documentation of albuterol efficacy did not correlate with steroid use, however.

CONCLUSIONS

Management decisions among term and premature infants with bronchiolitis were similar. Premature infants who received albuterol were more likely to receive steroids; however, the decision regarding steroid use was not associated with documentation of efficacy of albuterol.

Treatment of bronchiolitis: state of the art

Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of acute illness and hospitalization for infants and young children worldwide. It is usually a mild disease, but the few children developing severe symptoms need to be hospitalized and some will need ventilatory support. To date, the mainstay of therapy has been supportive care, i.e. assisted feeding and hydration, minimal handling, nasal suctioning and oxygen therapy. In recent years the delivery of oxygen has been improved by using a high-flow nasal cannula. At the same time, the discovery of nebulized hypertonic saline enables better airway cleaning with a benefit for respiratory function. The possible role of any pharmacological approach is still debated: many pharmacological therapies tried in the past, ranging from bronchodilators to corticosteroids, were found to offer no benefit in this disease. More recently, nebulized adrenaline demonstrated a short-term benefit. Prophylaxis and prevention, especially in children at high risk of severe infection, such as prematurely born infants and children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, have a fundamental role in dealing with this disease. In this review, we focus on current recommendations for the management and prevention of bronchiolitis, paying particular attention to the latest literature in search of answers to the questions that remain open.

Surfactant therapy for bronchiolitis in critically ill infants

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is one of the most frequent causes of respiratory failure in infants; some infants will require intensive care and mechanical ventilation. There is lack of evidence regarding effective treatment for bronchiolitis other than supportive care. Abnormalities of surfactant quantity or quality (or both) have been observed in severe cases of bronchiolitis. Exogenous surfactant administration appears to favourably change the haemodynamics of the lungs and may be a potentially promising therapy for severe bronchiolitis. 

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of exogenous surfactant administration (i.e. intratracheal administration of surfactant of any type (whether animal-derived or synthetic), at any dose and at any time after start of ventilation) compared to placebo, no intervention or standard care in reducing mortality and the duration of ventilation in infants and children with bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL 2012, Issue 4 which contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE (1948 to May week 1, 2012), EMBASE (1974 to May 2012), CINAHL (1982 to May 2012), LILACS (1985 to May 2012) and Web of Science (1985 to May 2012).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered prospective, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs evaluating the effect of exogenous surfactant in infants and children with bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors selected studies independently. We extracted the data using a predefined proforma, independently analysed the data and performed meta-analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three small RCTs enrolling 79 participants. Two trials did not use a placebo in the control arms and the third trial used air placebo. Two included studies did not describe mortality. We judged some of the included studies to have an unclear risk of bias but none of the included studies had a high risk of bias. Our pooled analysis of the three trials revealed that duration of mechanical ventilation was not different between the groups (mean difference (MD) -63.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) -130.43 to 4.35 hours) but duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay was less in the surfactant group compared to the control group: MD -3.31 (95% CI -6.38 to -0.25 days). After excluding one trial which produced significant heterogeneity, the duration of mechanical ventilation and duration of ICU stay were significantly lower in the surfactant group compared to the control group: MD -28.99 (95% CI -40.10 to -17.87 hours) and MD -1.81 (95% CI -2.42 to -1.19 days), respectively. Use of surfactant had favourable effects on oxygenation and CO(2) elimination. No adverse effects and no complications were observed in any of the three included studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence is insufficient to establish the effectiveness of surfactant therapy for bronchiolitis in critically ill infants who require mechanical ventilation. There is a need for larger trials with adequate power and a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of exogenous surfactant therapy for infants with bronchiolitis who require intensive care management.

Common pediatric respiratory emergencies

Pediatric respiratory illnesses are a huge burden to emergency departments worldwide. This article reviews the latest evidence in the epidemiology, assessment, management, and disposition of children presenting to the emergency department with asthma, croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.

Chest physiotherapy for acute bronchiolitis in paediatric patients between 0 and 24 months old

BACKGROUND

This is an update of the original Cochrane review published in 2005 and updated in 2007. Acute bronchiolitis is the leading cause of medical emergencies during winter in children younger than two years of age. Chest physiotherapy is thought to assist infants in the clearance of secretions and to decrease ventilatory effort.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective was to determine the efficacy of chest physiotherapy in infants aged less than 24 months old with acute bronchiolitis. A secondary objective was to determine the efficacy of different techniques of chest physiotherapy (for example, vibration and percussion and passive forced exhalation).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 4) which contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE (1966 to November week 3, 2011), MEDLINE in-process and other non-indexed citations (8 December 2011), EMBASE.com (1990 to December 2011), CINAHL (1982 to December 2011), LILACS (1985 to December 2011) and Web of Science (1985 to December 2011).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which chest physiotherapy was compared against no intervention or against another type of physiotherapy in bronchiolitis patients younger than 24 months of age.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data. Primary outcomes were respiratory parameters and improvement in severity of disease. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, duration of oxygen supplementation and the use of bronchodilators and steroids. No pooling of data was possible.

MAIN RESULTS

Nine clinical trials including 891 participants were included comparing physiotherapy with no intervention. Five trials (246 participants) evaluated vibration and percussion techniques and four trials (645 participants) evaluated passive expiratory techniques. We observed no significant differences in the severity of disease (eight trials, 867 participants). Results were negative for both types of physiotherapy. We observed no differences between groups in respiratory parameters (two trials, 118 participants), oxygen requirements (one trial, 50 participants), length of stay (five trials, 222 participants) or severe side effects (two trials, 595 participants). Differences in mild transient adverse effects (vomiting and respiratory instability) have been observed (one trial, 496 participants).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Since the last publication of this review new good-quality evidence has appeared, strengthening the conclusions of the review. Chest physiotherapy does not improve the severity of the disease, respiratory parameters, or reduce length of hospital stay or oxygen requirements in hospitalised infants with acute bronchiolitis not on mechanical ventilation. Chest physiotherapy modalities (vibration and percussion or forced expiratory techniques) have shown equally negative results.

Beta2-agonists for acute bronchitis

BACKGROUND

There are no clearly effective treatments for the cough of acute bronchitis. Beta2-agonists are often prescribed, perhaps because clinicians suspect many patients also have reversible airflow restriction contributing to the symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether beta2-agonists improve acute bronchitis symptoms in patients with no underlying pulmonary disease.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) 2011, issue 1 which contains the Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE (January 1966 to February week 1, 2011) and EMBASE (1974 to February 2011).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which patients (adults, or children over two years of age) with acute bronchitis or acute cough and without known pulmonary disease were allocated to beta2-agonist versus placebo, no treatment or alternative treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently selected outcomes and extracted data while blinded to study results. Two review authors independently assessed each trial for risk of bias. We analysed trials in children and adults separately.

MAIN RESULTS

Two trials in children (n = 109) with no evidence of airway obstruction did not find any benefits from oral beta2-agonists. Five trials in adults (n = 418) had mixed results but overall summary statistics did not reveal any significant benefits from oral (three trials) nor inhaled (two trials) beta2-agonists. There were no significant differences in daily cough scores nor in the percentage of adults still coughing after seven days (control group 73%; risk ratio (RR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 1.09). in one trial, subgroups with evidence of airflow limitation had lower symptom scores if given beta2-agonists. The trials that noted quicker resolution of cough with beta2-agonists were those with a higher proportion of wheezing patients at baseline. Adults given beta2-agonists were more likely to report tremor, shakiness or nervousness (RR 7.94, 95% CI 1.17 to 53.94; number needed to treat to harm (NNTH) 2.3).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence to support the use of beta2-agonists in children with acute cough who do not have evidence of airflow obstruction. There is also little evidence that the routine use of beta2-agonists is helpful for adults with acute cough. These agents may reduce symptoms, including cough, in people with evidence of airflow obstruction. However, this potential benefit is not well-supported by the available data and must be weighed against the adverse effects associated with their use.