A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Bronchiolitis

The Use of Evaluation Methods for Physiotherapy Treatment in Infants With Bronchiolitis-a Survey Study

AIMS

The aim of this study was to identify and describe methods that physiotherapists use to evaluate the immediate effects of their interventions for infants in hospital with acute respiratory tract infections.

METHODS

We constructed an anonymous digital survey to physiotherapists working with infants aged 0-24 months in Sweden. The survey was distributed by e-mail and posted on web pages for seven weeks, which included a reminder.

RESULTS

Replies were obtained from 88 respondents, and 52 completed surveys remained to be analyzed. All 21 counties in Sweden were represented. The most prevalent answer options were as follows: more productive/increased or decreased cough (73%), increased oxygen saturation (35%), changed secretion sounds (33%), reduced work of breathing (20%), and parental report (16%).

CONCLUSIONS

The physiotherapists reported to use diverse methods for evaluation of their interventions. However, to a large degree they used subjective measures, which depend on the individual clinician's assessment and interpretation. The evaluation methods vary in psychometric properties and robustness. This study identifies the need for consensus about valid, reliable, and clinically relevant evaluation methods for this patient group.

Three-Stage Framework for Accurate Pediatric Chest X-ray Diagnosis Using Self-Supervision and Transfer Learning on Small Datasets

Pediatric respiratory disease diagnosis and subsequent treatment require accurate and interpretable analysis. A chest X-ray is the most cost-effective and rapid method for identifying and monitoring various thoracic diseases in children. Recent developments in self-supervised and transfer learning have shown their potential in medical imaging, including chest X-ray areas. In this article, we propose a three-stage framework with knowledge transfer from adult chest X-rays to aid the diagnosis and interpretation of pediatric thorax diseases. We conducted comprehensive experiments with different pre-training and fine-tuning strategies to develop transformer or convolutional neural network models and then evaluate them qualitatively and quantitatively. The ViT-Base/16 model, fine-tuned with the CheXpert dataset, a large chest X-ray dataset, emerged as the most effective, achieving a mean AUC of 0.761 (95% CI: 0.759-0.763) across six disease categories and demonstrating a high sensitivity (average 0.639) and specificity (average 0.683), which are indicative of its strong discriminative ability. The baseline models, ViT-Small/16 and ViT-Base/16, when directly trained on the Pediatric CXR dataset, only achieved mean AUC scores of 0.646 (95% CI: 0.641-0.651) and 0.654 (95% CI: 0.648-0.660), respectively. Qualitatively, our model excels in localizing diseased regions, outperforming models pre-trained on ImageNet and other fine-tuning approaches, thus providing superior explanations. The source code is available online and the data can be obtained from PhysioNet.

A Community-Guided Approach to Bronchiolitis: A Needs Assessment and Illness Perception Study

The factors influencing caregivers' understanding of pediatric respiratory diseases, such as bronchiolitis, can guide patient care and the acceptability of treatment methods within the healthcare system. This study aims to identify illness perceptions and perform a needs assessment among caregivers of children diagnosed with respiratory diseases. This is a prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-driven study of a representative sample of caregivers whose children had an acute respiratory illness. The telephone-administered questionnaire was comprised of (1) demographic items; (2) illness perception questionnaire-revised (IPQ-R); and (3) items about personal barriers, the latter 2 of which employed a 5-point Likert response. Cronbach's alpha (α) was used to measure the internal consistency reliability for each item within the IPQ-R. The Pearson 2-tailed correlation coefficient was used to correlate questionnaire items. We included 75 caregivers whose children have been diagnosed with bronchiolitis (51%), reactive airway disease (RAD) (35%), asthma (33%), and wheezing (44%). We found no significance between the child's diagnosis and the site of recruitment. The most important components of the illness perception were illness coherence (α=0.849), psychological attributions (α=0.903), and barriers to diagnosis (α=0.633). Understanding caregivers' perceptions of respiratory diseases will lead to better treatment acceptance. We must clarify the terms used to define bronchiolitis from viral-induced wheezing, RAD, and the first asthma episode in older infants. Identifying caregivers' gaps in knowledge will help establish a cohesive approach to personalized treatment of respiratory diseases in children and their diagnosis.

Critical reappraisal of short-acting bronchodilators for pediatric respiratory diseases

Short-acting bronchodilators are a class of medications commonly used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory conditions. The use of these medications has evolved over time as we have gained a better understanding of their effectiveness and safety in the pediatric population. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current understanding of short-acting β2-agonists and short-acting anticholinergics in children. It addresses indications, contraindications, safety considerations, and highlights areas where further research is needed to guide the most effective use of short-acting bronchodilators.

Infant Bronchiolitis Endotypes and the Risk of Developing Childhood Asthma: Lessons From Cohort Studies

Severe bronchiolitis (i.e., bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization) during infancy is a heterogeneous condition associated with a high risk of developing childhood asthma. Yet, the exact mechanisms underlying the bronchiolitis-asthma link remain uncertain. Birth cohort studies have reported this association at the population level, including only small groups of patients with a history of bronchiolitis, and have attempted to identify the underlying biological mechanisms. Although this evidence has provided valuable insights, there are still unanswered questions regarding severe bronchiolitis-asthma pathogenesis. Recently, a few bronchiolitis cohort studies have attempted to answer these questions by applying unbiased analytical approaches to biological data. These cohort studies have identified novel bronchiolitis subtypes (i.e., endotypes) at high risk for asthma development, representing essential and enlightening evidence. For example, one distinct severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis endotype is characterized by the presence of Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, higher levels of type I/II IFN expression, and changes in carbohydrate metabolism in nasal airway samples, and is associated with a high risk for childhood asthma development. Although these findings hold significance for the design of future studies that focus on childhood asthma prevention, they require validation. However, this scoping review puts the above findings into clinical context and emphasizes the significance of future research in this area aiming to offer new bronchiolitis treatments and contribute to asthma prevention.

Value profile for respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and monoclonal antibodies

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the predominant cause of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in young children worldwide, yet no licensed RSV vaccine exists to help prevent the millions of illnesses and hospitalizations and tens of thousands of young lives taken each year. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) prophylaxis exists for prevention of RSV in a small subset of very high-risk infants and young children, but the only currently licensed product is impractical, requiring multiple doses and expensive for the low-income settings where the RSV disease burden is greatest. A robust candidate pipeline exists to one day prevent RSV disease in infant and pediatric populations, and it focuses on two promising passive immunization approaches appropriate for low-income contexts: maternal RSV vaccines and long-acting infant mAbs. Licensure of one or more candidates is feasible over the next one to three years and, depending on final product characteristics, current economic models suggest both approaches are likely to be cost-effective. Strong coordination between maternal and child health programs and the Expanded Program on Immunization will be needed for effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of either intervention. This 'Vaccine Value Profile' (VVP) for RSV is intended to provide a high-level, holistic assessment of the information and data that are currently available to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of pipeline vaccines and vaccine-like products. This VVP was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships and multi-lateral organizations, and in collaboration with stakeholders from the WHO headquarters. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the RSV VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps. The VVP was developed using only existing and publicly available information.

Duration of monitoring after cessation of oxygen therapy in infants with bronchiolitis

AIM

There is no evidence for how long bronchiolitis patients should be observed after coming off oxygen therapy and wide practice variation exists. We aimed to investigate whether it is safe to discharge bronchiolitis patients 4 h after cessation of oxygen therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective single-centre cohort study of 884 infants (n = 462 in 2018 vs. n = 422 in 2019) aged 0-24 months admitted with bronchiolitis in 2018 and 2019 was conducted after implementation of a bronchiolitis protocol recommending discharge home 4 h post-cessation of oxygen therapy in 2019. We compared the rate of readmissions and Clinical Reviews/Rapid Responses in the pre- and post-exposure cohorts.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in median (interquartile range (IQR)) time to discharge post oxygen cessation by 87 min (510 (370-1033) min versus 423 (273-904) min; P < 0.001) and in median (IQR) length of stay by 6.7 h (2.11 (1.54-2.97) days vs. 1.83 (1.17-2.71) days; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between readmissions in 2018 compared to 2019 (0.6% vs. 1.4%; P = 0.317). In 2018, there were two Clinical Reviews and in 2019 there were two Rapid Responses post-cessation of oxygen. There were 89 patients discharged within 4 h of cessation of oxygen therapy (n = 18 in 2018 vs. n = 71 in 2019; P < 0.001) with no readmissions, Clinical Reviews or Rapid Responses in the 2019 cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that patients can be discharged 4 h after cessation of supplemental oxygen without increased risk of adverse events.

Nasal CPAP in the Pediatric Ward to Reduce PICU Admissions for Severe Bronchiolitis?

In treating acute bronchiolitis in infants, the decision to use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) often involves infant referral from the pediatric ward to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We present our experience of CPAP use in a general pediatric ward, aiming to reduce the pressure on the PICU in recent outbreaks of bronchiolitis. Clinical data of patients less than 12 months of age and admitted for bronchiolitis from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2023 were retrospectively collected. Of 82 infants admitted for bronchiolitis, 16 (19%) were treated with nasal CPAP (nCPAP group); of the remaining 66, 21 (26%) were treated with a low-flow nasal cannula (LFNC) only, 1 (1%) was also treated a with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), 12 (15%) were treated with an HFNC only, and 41 (50%) were treated without oxygen support (no-nCPAP group). Overall, coinfection with RSV and SARS-CoV-2 was observed in three patients and SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed in two patients. None of them required any type of oxygen support. Only 3/16 (19%) infants in the nCPAP group were referred to the PICU due to worsening clinical conditions despite nCPAP support. In our experience of treating epidemic bronchiolitis, nCPAP can be safely managed in a general pediatric ward, thus reducing the burden of admissions to the PICU. Training and regular updating of the pediatric staff, careful monitoring of the patient, and close cooperation with the PICU were instrumental for our team.

Bronchiolitis guidelines: what about the Italian situation in a primary care setting?

Acute viral bronchiolitis is the most common cause of hospitalization in children under 12 months of age. The variable clinical presentation and the potential for sudden deterioration of the clinical conditions require a close monitoring by healthcare professionals.In Italy, first access care for children is provided by primary care physicians (PCPs) who often must face to a heterogeneous disease presentation that, in some cases, make the management of patient with bronchiolitis challenging. Consequently, Italian studies report poor adherence to national and international guidelines processed to guide the clinicians in decision making in acute viral bronchiolitis.This paper aims to identify the potential factors contributing to the lack of adherence to the suggested guidelines derived by clear and evidence-based recommendations among primary care physicians operating in an outpatient setting, with a specific focus on the context of Italy. Particularly, we focus on the prescription of medications such as β2-agonists, systemic steroids, and antibiotics which are commonly prescribed by PCPs to address conditions that can mimic bronchiolitis.

Evaluation of Bronchiolitis in the Pediatric Population in the United States of America and Canada: A Ten-Year Review

Bronchiolitis is a well-known viral infection among the pediatric population, significantly impacting hospitalization rates. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected respiratory viral infections, including bronchiolitis, as various mitigation measures were implemented. In this study, we analyzed bronchiolitis cases during the pandemic and post-pandemic period, aiming to identify changes in management guidelines and their incidence and management over the last 10 years. Moreover, we explored the relationship between bronchiolitis and COVID-19, a virus that gained rapid notoriety worldwide. By analyzing data from pediatric populations in Canada and the USA, we sought to understand the role of varying seasons in the peak periods of bronchiolitis infections. The comprehensive review's results will provide valuable insights into bronchiolitis dynamics within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is to better comprehend the interplay between bronchiolitis, COVID-19, and seasonal variations, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of this respiratory viral infection and informing future management strategies. Furthermore, these findings can assist healthcare professionals in preparing for and responding to potential fluctuations in bronchiolitis cases in the post-pandemic era.

Intensivists' Reported Management of Critical Bronchiolitis: More Data and New Guidelines Needed

OBJECTIVES

Existing bronchiolitis guidelines do not reflect the needs of infants admitted to the PICU. This study aimed to identify PICU providers' reported practice variations and explore the need for critical bronchiolitis clinical guidelines.

METHODS

Cross-sectional electronic survey available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese between November 2020 and March 2021, distributed via research networks from North and Latin America, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand.

RESULTS

A total of 657 PICU providers responded, including 344 English, 204 Spanish, and 109 Portuguese. PICU providers indicated frequently using (≥25% of time) diagnostic modalities for nonintubated and intubated patients on PICU admission (complete blood count [75%-97%], basic metabolic panel [64%-92%], respiratory viral panel [90%-95%], chest x-ray [83%-98%]). Respondents also reported regularly (≥25% of time) prescribing β-2 agonists (43%-50%), systemic corticosteroids (23%-33%), antibiotics (24%-41%), and diuretics (13%-41%). Although work of breathing was the most common variable affecting providers' decision to initiate enteral feeds for nonintubated infants, hemodynamic status was the most common variable for intubated infants (82% of providers). Most respondents agreed it would be beneficial to have specific guidelines for infants with critical bronchiolitis who are requiring both noninvasive (91% agreement) and invasive (89% agreement) respiratory support.

CONCLUSIONS

PICU providers report performing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for infants with bronchiolitis more frequently than recommended by current clinical guidelines, with interventions occurring more frequently for infants requiring invasive support. More clinical research is needed to inform the creation of evidence-based guidelines specifically for infants with critical bronchiolitis.

A Novel Comprehensive Algorithm for Evaluation of PICU Patients With New Fever or Instability

OBJECTIVES

There is variation in microbiology testing among PICU patients with fever offering opportunities to reduce avoidable testing and treatment. Our objective is to describe the development and assess the impact of a novel comprehensive testing algorithm to support judicious testing practices and expanded diagnostic differentials for PICU patients with new fever or instability.

DESIGN

A mixed-methods quality improvement study.

SETTING

Single-center academic PICU and pediatric cardiac ICU.

SUBJECTS

Admitted PICU patients and physicians.

INTERVENTIONS

A multidisciplinary team developed a clinical decision-support algorithm.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We evaluated blood, endotracheal, and urine cultures, urinalyses, and broad-spectrum antibiotic use per 1,000 ICU patient-days using statistical process control charts and incident rate ratios (IRRs) and assessed clinical outcomes 24 months pre- and 18 months postimplementation. We surveyed physicians weekly for 12 months postimplementation. Blood cultures declined by 17% (IRR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77-0.89), endotracheal cultures by 26% (IRR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.63-0.86), and urine cultures by 36% (IRR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.56-0.73). There was an anticipated rise in urinalysis testing by 23% (IRR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.14-1.33). Despite higher acuity and fewer brief hospitalizations, mortality, hospital, and PICU readmissions were stable, and PICU length of stay declined. Of the 108 physician surveys, 46 replied (43%), and 39 (85%) recently used the algorithm; 0 reported patient safety concerns, two (4%) provided constructive feedback, and 28 (61%) reported the algorithm improved patient care.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive fever algorithm was associated with reductions in blood, endotracheal, and urine cultures and anticipated increase in urinalyses. We detected no patient harm, and physicians reported improved patient care.

Impact of the publication of the Italian guidelines for bronchiolitis on the management of hospitalized children in Pisa, Italy

Bronchiolitis represents one of the major causes of hospitalization and mortality in children younger than 1 year, but its management continues to be heterogenous both in those who are hospitalized and in those who are not. To assess the impact of the publication of the Italian guidelines on bronchiolitis in October 2014, we analyzed data from children aged ≤12 months admitted for bronchiolitis at the University Hospital of Pisa from January 2010 to December 2019, dividing them into two groups based on whether admission was either preceding (Group 1) or following (Group 2) the publication of the guidelines. 346 patients (mean age 4.1 ± 2.8 months, 55% males) were admitted in the study period; 43.3%, 49.4%, and 7.3% of patients had mild, moderate or severe bronchiolitis, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.7 ± 2.9 days; 90.5% of the patients underwent nasal swab and 200 patients tested positive for RSV (in mono or coinfection with other viruses). We found no difference in RSV prevalence and severity distribution between the two groups, while we observed a significant reduction in the use of both chest X-rays (66.9% vs. 34.8%, p < 0.001), blood testing (93.4% vs. 58.2%, p < 0.001) and inhaled or systemic corticosteroids (93.1% vs. 47.8%, p < 0.001) in Group 2. No significant reduction in the use of antibiotics and of inhaled β2 agonists was found. Our data suggest that the publication of the Italian guidelines for bronchiolitis has contributed to improving the management of patients admitted for bronchiolitis in our Unit.

Worldwide research trends on bronchiolitis in pediatrics

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in cases of bronchiolitis among children. As a result, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of publications on this topic. It is essential to examine the main areas of focus within the scientific literature to understand the current trends in research on pediatric bronchiolitis. This research aims to analyze the types of scientific advances related to pediatric bronchiolitis, the research trends being pursued, and the countries and research institutions leading these efforts. By understanding these aspects of bronchiolitis research, we can better understand the current state of knowledge and identify areas where further research is needed.

METHODS

To conduct a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on pediatric bronchiolitis, all relevant publications were retrieved from the Scopus database. The Scopus API and the SW VosViewer software with optimized modularity functions were used. This analysis was intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on this topic, including the types of scientific advances being developed, the research trends being pursued, and the countries and research institutions leading these efforts.

RESULTS

A total of 3810 publications were reviewed. We observed an increasing number of publications, particularly in recent years. Of these, 73.7% were articles, 95% were written in English, and 29.4% were from the United States. The main keywords used in these publications included: human, bronchiolitis, child, preschool, preschool child, major clinical study, controlled study, pneumonia, asthma, adolescent, hospitalization, infant, and newborn. These keywords were grouped into six clusters: outpatient management, long-term consequences, etiology, intensive care management, diagnostic methods, and the main cluster, which focused on hospital treatment and clinical studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The bibliometric analysis of bronchiolitis research in pediatrics reveals that there has been a significant increase in the number of publications on this topic, particularly in recent years. Most of these publications are articles written in English and published in the United States. The main keywords used in these studies relate to various aspects of bronchiolitis, including diagnosis, treatment, and long-term consequences. The results of this analysis suggest that bronchiolitis is a topic of significant interest and concern for researchers and practitioners in the field of pediatrics and that further research is needed to improve our understanding and management of this condition.

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

BACKGROUND

Acute bronchiolitis is the leading cause of medical emergencies during winter months in infants younger than 24 months old. Chest physiotherapy is sometimes used to assist infants in the clearance of secretions in order to decrease ventilatory effort. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2005 and updated in 2006, 2012, and 2016.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of chest physiotherapy in infants younger than 24 months old with acute bronchiolitis. A secondary objective was to determine the efficacy of different techniques of chest physiotherapy (vibration and percussion, passive exhalation, or instrumental).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, PEDro (October 2011 to 20 April 2022), and two trials registers (5 April 2022).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which chest physiotherapy was compared to control (conventional medical care with no physiotherapy intervention) or other respiratory physiotherapy techniques in infants younger than 24 months old with bronchiolitis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

Our update of the searches dated 20 April 2022 identified five new RCTs with 430 participants. We included a total of 17 RCTs (1679 participants) comparing chest physiotherapy with no intervention or comparing different types of physiotherapy. Five trials (246 participants) assessed percussion and vibration techniques plus postural drainage (conventional chest physiotherapy), and 12 trials (1433 participants) assessed different passive flow-oriented expiratory techniques, of which three trials (628 participants) assessed forced expiratory techniques, and nine trials (805 participants) assessed slow expiratory techniques. In the slow expiratory subgroup, two trials (78 participants) compared the technique with instrumental physiotherapy techniques, and two recent trials (116 participants) combined slow expiratory techniques with rhinopharyngeal retrograde technique (RRT). One trial used RRT alone as the main component of the physiotherapy intervention. Clinical severity was mild in one trial, severe in four trials, moderate in six trials, and mild to moderate in five trials. One study did not report clinical severity. Two trials were performed on non-hospitalised participants. Overall risk of bias was high in six trials, unclear in five, and low in six trials. The analyses showed no effects of conventional techniques on change in bronchiolitis severity status, respiratory parameters, hours with oxygen supplementation, or length of hospital stay (5 trials, 246 participants).  Regarding instrumental techniques (2 trials, 80 participants), one trial observed similar results in bronchiolitis severity status when comparing slow expiration to instrumental techniques (mean difference 0.10, 95% confidence interval (C) -0.17 to 0.37).  Forced passive expiratory techniques failed to show an effect on bronchiolitis severity in time to recovery (2 trials, 509 participants; high-certainty evidence) and time to clinical stability (1 trial, 99 participants; high-certainty evidence) in infants with severe bronchiolitis. Important adverse effects were reported with the use of forced expiratory techniques.  Regarding slow expiratory techniques, a mild to moderate improvement was observed in bronchiolitis severity score (standardised mean difference -0.43, 95% CI -0.73 to -0.13; I2 = 55%; 7 trials, 434 participants; low-certainty evidence). Also, in one trial an improvement in time to recovery was observed with the use of slow expiratory techniques. No benefit was observed in length of hospital stay, except for one trial which showed a one-day reduction. No effects were shown or reported for other clinical outcomes such as duration on oxygen supplementation, use of bronchodilators, or parents' impression of physiotherapy benefit.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found low-certainty evidence that passive slow expiratory technique may result in a mild to moderate improvement in bronchiolitis severity when compared to control. This evidence comes mostly from infants with moderately acute bronchiolitis treated in hospital. The evidence was limited with regard to infants with severe bronchiolitis and those with moderately severe bronchiolitis treated in ambulatory settings. We found high-certainty evidence that conventional techniques and forced expiratory techniques result in no difference in bronchiolitis severity or any other outcome. We found high-certainty evidence that forced expiratory techniques in infants with severe bronchiolitis do not improve their health status and can lead to severe adverse effects. Currently, the evidence regarding new physiotherapy techniques such as RRT or instrumental physiotherapy is scarce, and further trials are needed to determine their effects and potential for use in infants with moderate bronchiolitis, as well as the potential additional effect of RRT when combined with slow passive expiratory techniques. Finally, the effectiveness of combining chest physiotherapy with hypertonic saline should also be investigated.

Clinical Presentation and Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Compared to Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Other Viral Respiratory Infections in Children Less Than Two Years of Age

The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the implementation of restrictive measures led to a dramatic reduction in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) occurrence together with rare and mild bronchiolitis induced by SARS-CoV-2. We described the respiratory picture of SARS-CoV-2 infection and evaluated the frequency and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 bronchiolitis comparing it with other respiratory viral infections in children less than two years of age. The severity of respiratory involvement was evaluated based on the need for oxygen therapy, intravenous hydration, and the length of hospital stay. A total of 138 children hospitalized for respiratory symptoms were enrolled: 60 with SARS-CoV-2 and 78 with RSV. In the group of SARS-CoV-2-infected children, 13/60 (21%) received a diagnosis of co-infection. Among the enrolled children, 87/138 (63%) received a diagnosis of bronchiolitis. The comparative evaluation showed a higher risk of the need for oxygen therapy and intravenous hydration in children with RSV infection and co-infection compared to children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the children with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis, no differences in the main outcomes among the groups were observed. Although children with SARS-CoV-2 infection have less severe respiratory effects than adults, the pediatrician should pay attention to bronchiolitis due to SARS-CoV-2, which could have a severe clinical course in younger children.

UPDATE - 2022 Italian guidelines on the management of bronchiolitis in infants

Bronchiolitis is an acute respiratory illness that is the leading cause of hospitalization in young children. This document aims to update the consensus document published in 2014 to provide guidance on the current best practices for managing bronchiolitis in infants. The document addresses care in both hospitals and primary care. The diagnosis of bronchiolitis is based on the clinical history and physical examination. The mainstays of management are largely supportive, consisting of fluid management and respiratory support. Evidence suggests no benefit with the use of salbutamol, glucocorticosteroids and antibiotics with potential risk of harm. Because of the lack of effective treatment, the reduction of morbidity must rely on preventive measures. De-implementation of non-evidence-based interventions is a major goal, and educational interventions for clinicians should be carried out to promote high-value care of infants with bronchiolitis. Well-prepared implementation strategies to standardize care and improve the quality of care are needed to promote adherence to guidelines and discourage non-evidence-based attitudes. In parallel, parents' education will help reduce patient pressure and contribute to inappropriate prescriptions. Infants with pre-existing risk factors (i.e., prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital heart diseases, immunodeficiency, neuromuscular diseases, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome) present a significant risk of severe bronchiolitis and should be carefully assessed. This revised document, based on international and national scientific evidence, reinforces the current recommendations and integrates the recent advances for optimal care and prevention of acute bronchiolitis.

Guidelines for the management of male urinary tract infections in primary care: a lack of international consensus-a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

The management of adult male urinary tract infections (mUTIs) in primary care lacks international consensus. The main objective of this study was to describe the different guidelines for the diagnosis and management of mUTIs in primary care, to assess their methodological quality, and to describe their evidence-based strength of recommendation (SoR).

METHODS

An international systematic literature review of the electronic databases Medline (PubMed) and EMBASE, and gray-literature guideline-focused databases was performed in 2021. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) assessment tool was used by 2 independent reviewers to appraise each guideline.

RESULTS

From 1,678 records identified, 1,558 were screened, 134 assessed for eligibility, and 29 updated guidelines met the inclusion criteria (13 from Medline, 0 from EMBASE, and 16 from gray literature). Quality assessment revealed 14 (48%) guidelines with high-quality methodology. A grading system methodology was used in 18 (62%) guidelines. Different classifications of mUTIs are described, underlining a lack of international consensus: an anatomic classification (cystitis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis) and a symptomatic classification (approach based on the intensity and tolerance of symptoms). The duration of antibiotic treatment for febrile mUTIs has been gradually reduced over the last 20 years from 28 days to 10-14 days of fluoroquinolones (FQ), which has become the international gold standard. Guidelines from Scandinavian countries propose short courses (3-5 days) of FQ-sparing treatments: pivmecillinam, nitrofurantoin, or trimethoprim. Guidelines from French-speaking countries use a watchful waiting approach and suggest treating mUTIs with FQ, regardless of fever.

CONCLUSIONS

This lack of scientific evidence leads to consensus and disagreement: 14 days of FQ for febrile mUTIs is accepted despite a high risk of antimicrobial resistance, but FQ-sparing treatment and/or short treatment for afebrile mUTIs is not. The definition of afebrile UTIs/cystitis is debated and influences the type and duration of antibiotic treatment recommended.

The Local and Systemic Exposure to Oxygen in Children With Severe Bronchiolitis on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Oxygen supplementation is a cornerstone treatment in critically ill children with bronchiolitis in the PICU. However, potential deleterious effects of high-dose oxygen are well-known. In this study, we aim to describe the pulmonary (local) and arterial (systemic) oxygen exposure over the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in children with severe bronchiolitis. Our secondary aim was to estimate potentially avoidable exposure to high-dose oxygen in these patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single-center, tertiary-care PICU.

PATIENTS

Children younger than 2 years old admitted to the PICU for severe bronchiolitis receiving IMV.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Hourly measurements of Fio2 and peripheral oxygen saturation (Spo2), and arterial blood gas data were collected up to day 10 of IMV. A total of 24,451 hours of IMV were observed in 176 patients (median age of 1.0 mo [interquartile range (IQR), 1.0-2.3 mo]). The pulmonary exposure to oxygen was highest during the first day of IMV (median time-weighted average [TWA]-Fio2 0.46 [IQR, 0.39-0.53]), which significantly decreased over subsequent days. The systemic exposure to oxygen was relatively low, as severe hyperoxemia (TWA-Pao2 > 248 Torr [> 33 kPa]) was not observed. However, overuse of oxygen was common with 52.3% of patients (n = 92) having at least 1 day of possible excessive oxygen exposure and 14.8% (n = 26) with severe exposure. Furthermore, higher oxygen dosages correlated with increasing overuse of oxygen (rrepeated measures, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.54-0.63). Additionally, caregivers were likely to keep Fio2 greater than or equal to 0.50 when Spo2 greater than or equal to 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate to high-dose pulmonary oxygen exposure and potential overuse of oxygen were common in this cohort of severe bronchiolitis patients requiring IMV; however, this was not accompanied by a high systemic oxygen burden. Further studies are needed to determine optimal oxygenation targets to prevent overzealous use of oxygen in this vulnerable population.

Systematic review of post-COVID-19 syndrome rehabilitation guidelines

Introduction

Post-COVID-19 syndrome is associated with significant health and potential socioeconomic burden. Due to its novel nature, there is a lack of clarity over best practice for the rehabilitation of patients with ongoing or new symptoms following acute COVID-19 infection. We conducted a systematic review of clinical and service guidelines for post-COVID-19 syndrome rehabilitation.

Methods

This review was registered on PROSPERO and is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included guidelines formally published or endorsed by a recognised professional body, covering rehabilitation of people with symptoms following resolution of acute COVID-19 infection. We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, NHS Evidence, MedRxiv, PsyArXiv and Google for terms related to COVID-19, rehabilitation and guideline. Two reviewers independently screened articles for inclusion, data extracted and quality assessed using the AGREE II and AGREE-REX tools for clinical guidelines and the AGREE-HS tool for service guidelines. We included guidelines of sufficient quality in a narrative synthesis.

Results

We identified 12 790 articles, of which 37 guidelines (19 clinical only, 7 service only and 11 combined clinical and service) were included. Guidelines covered a range of countries, rehabilitation types, populations and rehabilitation settings. Synthesis of clinical guidelines (n=4) was structured following the patient pathway, from identification, to assessment, treatment and discharge, with consideration of specific patient groups. Synthesis of service guidelines (n=8) was structured according to the Donabedian framework.

Discussion

Though the available post-COVID-19 syndrome rehabilitation guidelines were generally of poor quality, there was a high degree of consensus regarding the breadth of symptoms, the need for holistic assessment by a broad multidisciplinary team and person-centred care. There was less clarity on management options, measuring outcomes and discharge criteria.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021236049.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus is the Most Common Causative Agent of Viral Bronchiolitis in Young Children: An Updated Review

BACKGROUND

Viral bronchiolitis is a common condition and a leading cause of hospitalization in young children.

OBJECTIVE

This article provides readers with an update on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of viral bronchiolitis, primarily due to RSV.

METHODS

A PubMed search was conducted in December 2021 in Clinical Queries using the key terms "acute bronchiolitis" OR "respiratory syncytial virus infection". The search included clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, case control studies, cohort studies, meta-analyses, observational studies, clinical guidelines, case reports, case series, and reviews. The search was restricted to children and English literature. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of this article.

RESULTS

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common viral bronchiolitis in young children. Other viruses such as human rhinovirus and coronavirus could be etiological agents. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestation. Viral testing is useful only for cohort and quarantine purposes. Cochrane evidence-based reviews have been performed on most treatment modalities for RSV and viral bronchiolitis. Treatment for viral bronchiolitis is mainly symptomatic support. Beta-agonists are frequently used despite the lack of evidence that they reduce hospital admissions or length of stay. Nebulized racemic epinephrine, hypertonic saline and corticosteroids are generally not effective. Passive immunoprophylaxis with a monoclonal antibody against RSV, when given intramuscularly and monthly during winter, is effective in preventing severe RSV bronchiolitis in high-risk children who are born prematurely and in children under 2 years with chronic lung disease or hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease. Vaccines for RSV bronchiolitis are being developed. Children with viral bronchiolitis in early life are at increased risk of developing asthma later in childhood.

CONCLUSION

Viral bronchiolitis is common. No current pharmacologic treatment or novel therapy has been proven to improve outcomes compared to supportive treatment. Viral bronchiolitis in early life predisposes asthma development later in childhood.

Factors associated with nonadherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics 2014 bronchiolitis guidelines: A retrospective study

The latest guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics for the management of bronchiolitis has helped reduce unnecessary interventions and costs. However, data on patients still receiving interventions are missing. In patients with acute bronchiolitis whose management was assessed and compared with current achievable benchmarks of care, we aimed to identify factors associated with nonadherence to guideline recommendations. In this single-centre retrospective study the management of bronchiolitis pre-guideline (Period 1: 2010 to 2012) was compared with two periods post-guideline (Period 2: 2015 to 2016, early post-guideline; and Period 3: 2017 to 2018, late post-guideline) in otherwise healthy infants aged less than 1 year presenting at the Children's University Hospitals of Geneva (Switzerland). Post-guideline, bronchodilators were more frequently administered to older (>6 months; OR 25.8, 95%CI 12.6-52.6), and atopic (OR 3.5, 95%CI 1.5-7.5) children with wheezing (OR 5.4, 95%CI 3.3-8.7). Oral corticosteroids were prescribed more frequently to older (>6 months; OR 5.2, 95%CI 1.4-18.7) infants with wheezing (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.3-17.8). Antibiotics and chest X-ray were more frequently prescribed to children admitted to the intensive care unit (antibiotics: OR 4.2, 95%CI 1.3-13.5; chest X-ray: OR 19.4, 95%CI 7.4-50.6). Latest prescription rates were all below the achievable benchmarks of care. In summary, following the latest American Academy of Pediatrics guideline, older, atopic children with wheezing and infants admitted to the intensive care unit were more likely to receive nonevidence-based interventions during an episode of bronchiolitis. These patient profiles are generally excluded from bronchiolitis trials, and therefore not specifically covered by the current guideline. Further research should focus on the benefit of bronchiolitis interventions in these particular populations.

International variation in evidence-based emergency department management of bronchiolitis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the international variation in the use of evidence-based management (EBM) in bronchiolitis. We hypothesised that management consistent with full-EBM practices is associated with the research network of care, adjusted for patient-level characteristics. Secondary objectives were to determine the association between full-EBM and (1) hospitalisation and (2) emergency department (ED) revisits resulting in hospitalisation within 21 days.

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

38 paediatric EDs belonging to the Paediatric Emergency Research Network in Canada, USA, Australia/New Zealand UK/Ireland and Spain/Portugal.

PATIENTS

Otherwise healthy infants 2-11 months old diagnosed with bronchiolitis between 1 January 2013 and 31 December, 2013.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was management consistent with full-EBM, that is, no bronchodilators/corticosteroids/antibiotics, no chest radiography or laboratory testing. Secondary outcomes included hospitalisations during the index and subsequent ED visits.

RESULTS

1137/2356 (48.3%) infants received full-EBM (ranging from 13.2% in Spain/Portugal to 72.3% in UK/Ireland). Compared with the UK/Ireland, the adjusted ORs (aOR) of full-EBM receipt were lower in Spain/Portugal (aOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.29), Canada (aOR 0.13 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.31) and USA (aOR 0.16 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.35). EBM was less likely in infants with dehydration (aOR 0.49 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.71)), chest retractions (aOR 0.69 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.91)) and nasal flaring (aOR 0.69 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.92)). EBM was associated with reduced odds of hospitalisation at the index visit (aOR 0.77 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.98)) but not at revisits (aOR 1.17 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.85)).

CONCLUSIONS

Infants with bronchiolitis frequently do not receive full-EBM ED management, particularly those outside of the UK/Ireland. Furthermore, there is marked variation in full-EBM between paediatric emergency networks, and full-EBM delivery is associated with lower likelihood of hospitalisation. Given the global bronchiolitis burden, international ED-focused deimplementation of non-indicated interventions to enhance EBM is needed.

Respiratory virus type to guide predictive enrichment approaches in the management of the first episode of bronchiolitis: A systematic review

It has become clear that severe bronchiolitis is a heterogeneous disease; even so, current bronchiolitis management guidelines rely on the one-size-fits-all approach regarding achieving both short-term and chronic outcomes. It has been speculated that the use of molecular markers could guide more effective pharmacological management and achieve the prevention of chronic respiratory sequelae. Existing data suggest that asthma-like treatment (systemic corticosteroids and beta2-agonists) in infants with rhinovirus-induced bronchiolitis is associated with improved short-term and chronic outcomes, but robust data is still lacking. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane’s Library to identify eligible randomized controlled trials to determine the efficacy of a personalized, virus-dependent application of systemic corticosteroids in children with severe bronchiolitis. Twelve studies with heterogeneous methodology were included. The analysis of the available results comparing the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-positive and RSV-negative children did not reveal significant differences in the associatons between systemic corticosteroid use in acute episode and duration of hospitalization (short-term outcome). However, this systematic review identified a trend of the positive association between the use of systematic corticosteroids and duration of hospitalization in RSV-negative infants hospitalized with the first episode of bronchiolitis (two studies). This evidence is not conclusive. Taken together, we suggest the design for future studies to assess the respiratory virus type in guiding predictive enrichment approaches in infants presenting with the first episode of bronchiolitis.

The impact of an autonomous nurse-led high-flow nasal cannula oxygen protocol on clinical outcomes of infants with bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship of the implementation of a nurse-led high-flow nasal cannula oxygen protocol on the clinical outcomes of infants with bronchiolitis in a regional paediatric unit.

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory illness and is the leading cause for hospitalisation of infants globally. Standard care involves the provision of supportive measures. Historically, supplemental oxygen was provided by low-flow nasal cannula. High-flow nasal cannula oxygen has been increasingly adopted despite limited evidence of its efficacy.

METHODS

This study employed non-equivalent, post-implementation only design to explore clinical outcomes of infants with bronchiolitis admitted for high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy. The study compared infants in the 24 months before and after the initiation of a high-flow nasal cannula protocol. The primary clinical outcome was length of stay, secondary outcomes included time on high flow, weaning time, escalation of care and time outside of physiological parameters. Implementation strategy evaluation was measured by compliance with applying the protocol, reported as episodes of variance, and duration of variance. The StaRI checklist was selected as the most appropriate reporting guideline.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients were admitted with bronchiolitis and received high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy during a 48-month period; 37 patients were prior, and 43 after, the introduction of a nurse-led high-flow nasal cannula protocol. Length of stay was significantly reduced in the post-implementation group compared to the historical control group (83.8 vs. 61.3 h). Time on high flow and weaning time was decreased in the post-implementation group compared to the control group (33.5 vs. 26.7 h and 26 vs.12.25 h, respectively); however, these did not reach statistical significance. There was varied application of the HFNC protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a nurse-led high-flow nasal cannula protocol was associated with a reduced length of stay.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study demonstrated that infants with bronchiolitis that were treated with a nurse-led high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy protocol had positive effects on clinical outcomes including a shorter length of stay than compared with those with physician-directed care in a regional paediatric unit. A weight-based (2 L/kg) HFNC therapy was safely administered to infants with bronchiolitis in a regional hospital paediatric ward with no paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 positivity in infants with bronchiolitis: a multicentre international study

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is the leading acute respiratory tract infection in infants during the winter season. Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a reduction in the number of bronchiolitis diagnoses has been registered.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to describe the incidence and clinical features of bronchiolitis during the 2020-2021 winter season in a large cohort of children in Europe and Israel, and to clarify the role of SARS-CoV-2.

SETTING, PATIENTS, INTERVENTIONS

We conducted a multicentre observational cross-sectional study in 23 paediatric emergency departments in Europe and Israel. Clinical and demographic data about all the cases of infants diagnosed with bronchiolitis from 1 October 2020 to 30 April 2021 were collected. For each enrolled patient, diagnostic tests, treatments and outcomes were reported.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome was the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-positive bronchiolitis.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fourteen infants received a diagnosis of bronchiolitis during the study period. Among 535 infants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 16 (3%) had bronchiolitis. Median age, male sex predominance, weight, history of prematurity and presence of comorbidities did not differ between the SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative groups. Rhinovirus was the most common involved pathogen, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was detected in one case. SARS-CoV-2 bronchiolitis had a mild clinical course, with one patient receiving oxygen supplementation and none requiring paediatric or neonatal intensive care unit admission.

CONCLUSIONS

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a marked decrease in the number of bronchiolitis diagnoses and the disappearance of the RSV winter epidemic were observed. SARS-CoV-2-related bronchiolitis was rare and mostly displayed a mild clinical course.

Bronchiolitis

Viral bronchiolitis is the most common cause of admission to hospital for infants in high-income countries. Respiratory syncytial virus accounts for 60-80% of bronchiolitis presentations. Bronchiolitis is diagnosed clinically without the need for viral testing. Management recommendations, based predominantly on high-quality evidence, advise clinicians to support hydration and oxygenation only. Evidence suggests no benefit with use of glucocorticoids or bronchodilators, with further evidence required to support use of hypertonic saline in bronchiolitis. Evidence is scarce in the intensive care unit. Evidence suggests use of high-flow therapy in bronchiolitis is limited to rescue therapy after failure of standard subnasal oxygen only in infants who are hypoxic and does not decrease rates of intensive care unit admission or intubation. Despite systematic reviews and international clinical practice guidelines promoting supportive rather than interventional therapy, universal de-implementation of interventional care in bronchiolitis has not occurred and remains a major challenge.

Pragmatic Randomized Trial of Corticosteroids and Inhaled Epinephrine for Bronchiolitis in Children in Intensive Care

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the combination of systemic corticosteroids and nebulized epinephrine, compared with standard care, reduces the duration of positive pressure support in children with bronchiolitis admitted to intensive care.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a pragmatic, multicenter, open-label, randomized trial between July 2013 and November 2019 in children younger than 18 months old with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis. The intervention group received the equivalent of 13 mg/kg prednisolone over 3 days, then 1 mg/kg daily for 3 days, plus 0.05 mL/kg of nebulized 1% epinephrine made up to 6 ml with 0.9% saline via jet nebulizer and mask using oxygen at 12 l/min every 30 minutes for 5 doses, then 1-4 hourly for 3 days, then as required for 3 days. The primary outcome was clinician-managed duration of positive pressure support in intensive care defined as high-flow nasal-prong oxygen, nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure, or mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

In total, 210 children received positive pressure support. In the corticosteroid-epinephrine group, 107 children received positive pressure support for a geometric mean of 26 (95% CI, 22-32) hours compared with 40 (95% CI 34-47) hours in 103 controls, adjusted ratio 0.66 (95% CI 0.51-0.84), P = .001. In the intervention group, 41 (38%) children experienced at least 1 adverse event, compared with 39 (38%) in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with severe bronchiolitis, the duration of clinician-managed pressure support was reduced by regular treatment with systemic corticosteroids and inhaled epinephrine compared with standard care.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian Clinical Trials Research Network: ACTRN12613000316707.

Effects of nebulized epinephrine in association with hypertonic saline for infants with acute bronchiolitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background

Nebulized epinephrine and hypertonic saline have been extensively studied in infants with acute bronchiolitis, with conflicting results.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy on length of stay (LOS), clinical severity scores (CSS), oxygen saturation (SaO₂), and safety profile of nebulized epinephrine plus hypertonic saline (HS) in infants with acute bronchiolitis.

Materials & Methods

This is a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Outcomes were represented by mean differences (MD) or standard mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized.

Results

Eighteen trials were systematically selected and 16 of them contributed to the meta‐analysis (1756 patients). Overall, a modest but significant positive impact was observed of the combination therapy on LOS (MD of –0.35 days, 95% CI −0.62 to −0.08, p = 0.01, I² = 91%). Stratification by time of CSS assessment unveiled positive results in favor of the combination therapy in CSS assessed 48 and 72 h after the admission (SMD of −0.35, 95% CI −0.62 to −0.09, p = 0.008, I² = 41% and SMD of −0.27, 95% CI −0.50 to −0.04, p = 0.02, I² = 0%, respectively). No difference in SaO₂ was observed. Additional data showed a consistent safety profile, with a low rate of adverse events (1%), most of them mild and transient.

Conclusion

Low‐quality evidence from this systematic review suggests that nebulized epinephrine plus HS may be considered as a safe and efficient therapy for decreasing LOS and CSS in infants with acute bronchiolitis, especially in those who require hospitalization for more than 48 h.

Remote, real-time expert elicitation to determine the prior probability distribution for Bayesian sample size determination in international randomised controlled trials: Bronchiolitis in Infants Placebo Versus Epinephrine and Dexamethasone (BIPED) study

Background

Bayesian methods are increasing in popularity in clinical research. The design of Bayesian clinical trials requires a prior distribution, which can be elicited from experts. In diseases with international differences in management, the elicitation exercise should recruit internationally, making a face-to-face elicitation session expensive and more logistically challenging. Thus, we used a remote, real-time elicitation exercise to construct prior distributions. These elicited distributions were then used to determine the sample size of the Bronchiolitis in Infants with Placebo Versus Epinephrine and Dexamethasone (BIPED) study, an international randomised controlled trial in the Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN). The BIPED study aims to determine whether the combination of epinephrine and dexamethasone, compared to placebo, is effective in reducing hospital admission for infants presenting with bronchiolitis to the emergency department.

Methods

We developed a Web-based tool to support the elicitation of the probability of hospitalisation for infants with bronchiolitis. Experts participated in online workshops to specify their individual prior distributions, which were aggregated using the equal-weighted linear pooling method. Experts were then invited to provide their comments on the aggregated distribution. The average length criterion determined the BIPED sample size.

Results

Fifteen paediatric emergency medicine clinicians from Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand participated in three workshops to provide their elicited prior distributions. The mean elicited probability of admission for infants with bronchiolitis was slightly lower for those receiving epinephrine and dexamethasone compared to supportive care in the aggregate distribution. There were substantial differences in the individual beliefs but limited differences between North America and Australasia. From this aggregate distribution, a sample size of 410 patients per arm results in an average 95% credible interval length of less than 9% and a relative predictive power of 90%.

Conclusion

Remote, real-time expert elicitation is a feasible, useful and practical tool to determine a prior distribution for international randomised controlled trials. Bayesian methods can then determine the trial sample size using these elicited prior distributions. The ease and low cost of remote expert elicitation mean that this approach is suitable for future international randomised controlled trials.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03567473

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06240-w.

Risk factors and incidence of invasive bacterial infection in severe bronchiolitis: the RICOIB prospective study

Background

Bacterial infection (BI), both community-acquired (CA-BI) and hospital-acquired (HAI), might present as a severe complication in patients with bronchiolitis. This study aimed to describe BI in children with severe bronchiolitis, and to define risk factors for BI.

Methods

This was a prospective, descriptive study that included infants admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) due to bronchiolitis between 2011 and 2017. The BROSJOD score was calculated to rate the severity of bronchiolitis.

Results

Inclusion of 675 patients, with a median age of 47 days (IQR 25–99). 175 (25.9%) patients developed BI, considered HAI in 36 (20.6%). Patients with BI had higher BROSJOD score, PRISM III, and required invasive mechanical ventilation and inotropic support more frequently (p < 0.001). BI was independently associated with BROSJOD higher than 12 (OR 2.092, 95%CI 1.168–3.748) CA-BI was associated to BROSJOD > 12 (OR 2.435, 95%CI 1.379–4.297) and bacterial co-infection (OR 2.294 95%CI 1.051–5.008). Concerning HAI, an independent association was shown with mechanical ventilation longer than 7 days (OR 5.139 95%CI 1.802–14.652). Infants with BI had longer PICU and hospital stay (p < 0.001), Mortality was higher in patients with HAI.

Conclusions

A quarter of infants with severe bronchiolitis developed BI. A BROSJOD > 12 may alert the presence of CA-BI, especially pneumonia. Patients with BI have higher morbidity and mortality.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-022-03206-4.

Susceptibility to rhinovirus-induced early wheezing as a risk factor for subsequent asthma development

Abstract:

Rhinovirus is one of the two most common viral agents that cause bronchiolitis in young children. During the first 12 months, it is second to the respiratory syncytial virus, but after 12 months, it begins dominating the statistics. Wheezing and dry cough are typical clinical symptoms indicative of rhinovirus-induced bronchiolitis, although overlap of symptoms with other virus infections is common. Several studies have shown that atopic predisposition and reduced interferon responses increase susceptibility to rhinovirus-induced wheezing. More recent studies have found that certain genetic variations at strong asthma loci also increase susceptibility. Rhinovirus-induced wheezing in the early years of life is known to increase the risk of subsequent asthma development and may be associated with airway remodeling. This risk is increased by aeroallergen sensitization. Currently, there are no clinically approved preventive treatments for asthma. However, studies show promising results indicating that children with rhinovirus-affected first-time wheezing respond to bronchodilators in terms of less short-term symptoms and that controlling airway inflammatory responses with anti-inflammatory medication may markedly decrease asthma development. Also, enhancing resistance to respiratory viruses has been a topic of discussion. Primary and secondary prevention strategies are being developed with the aim of decreasing the incidence of asthma. Here, we review the current knowledge on rhinovirus-induced early wheezing as a risk factor for subsequent asthma development and related asthma-prevention strategies.

Field testing two existing, standardized respiratory severity scores (LIBSS and ReSViNET) in infants presenting with acute respiratory illness to tertiary hospitals in Rwanda - a validation and inter-rater reliability study

INTRODUCTION

There is a substantial burden of respiratory disease in infants in the sub-Saharan Africa region. Many health care providers (HCPs) that initially receive infants with respiratory distress may not be adequately skilled to differentiate between mild, moderate and severe respiratory symptoms, which may contribute to poor management and outcome. Therefore, respiratory severity scores have the potential to contributing to address this gap.

OBJECTIVES

to field-test the use of two existing standardized bronchiolitis severity scores (LIBSS and ReSViNET) in a population of Rwandan infants (1-12 months) presenting with respiratory illnesses to urban, tertiary, pediatric hospitals and to assess the severity of respiratory distress in these infants and the treatments used.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, validation study, was conducted in four tertiary hospitals in Rwanda. Infants presenting with difficulty in breathing were included. The LIBSS and ReSViNET scores were independently employed by nurses and residents to assess the severity of disease in each infant.

RESULTS

100 infants were recruited with a mean age of seven months. Infants presented with pneumonia (n = 51), bronchiolitis (n = 36) and other infectious respiratory illnesses (n = 13). Thirty-three infants had severe disease and survival was 94% using nurse applied LIBSS. Regarding inter-rater reliability, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for LIBSS and ReSViNET between nurses and residents was 0.985 (95% CI: 0.98-0.99) and 0.980 (0.97-0.99). The convergent validity (Pearson's correlation) between LIBSS and ReSViNET for nurses and residents was R = 0.836 (p<0.001) and R = 0.815 (p<0.001). The area under the Receiver Operator Curve (aROC) for admission to PICU or HDU was 0.956 (CI: 0.92-0.99, p<0.001) and 0.880 (CI: 0.80-0.96, p<0.001) for nurse completed LIBSS and ReSViNET respectively.

CONCLUSION

LIBSS and ReSViNET were designed for infants with bronchiolitis in resource-rich settings. Both LIBSS and ReSViNET demonstrated good reliability and validity results, in this cohort of patients presenting to tertiary level hospitals. This early data demonstrate that these two scores have the potential to be used in conjunction with clinical reasoning to identify infants at increased risk of clinical deterioration and allow timely admission, treatment escalation and therefore support resource allocation in Rwanda.

Agreements and controversies of national guidelines for bronchiolitis: Results from an Italian survey

Introduction

Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, to recommend a univocal clinical approach is challenging and still questioned. This study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of bronchiolitis in children adopted by Italian pediatricians following the national guidelines.

Material and Methods

A survey study was designed and carried out by sending an email an open‐ended questionnaire developed by an expert panel of the Scientific Board of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP). Questions were designed according to the national intersociety consensus document on treatment and prevention of bronchiolitis in newborns and infants.

Results

Overall, 234 pediatricians were taking part in the study. When diagnosing bronchiolitis, only 44.01% (103/234) of participants correctly followed the national guidelines. All participants (100%) would perform laboratory tests and/or radiological exams. 44.01% administered oxygen (O₂) when O₂ saturation was minor than 92%. About the therapeutic regimen, marked discrepancies between national guidelines and recorded answers were reported. Indications for hospital admission and discharge criteria were in line with the national guidelines.

Conclusions

There is a significant practice variation in the management of acute bronchiolitis among Italian physicians. Some wrong attitudes need to be further discouraged, such use of diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches. Further research is urgently required to define the best management of patients with bronchiolitis and implement strategies to standardize care and improve the quality of care.

Safety of airway clearance combined with bronchodilator and hypertonic saline in non-hospitalized infants with acute bronchiolitis

BACKGROUND

Acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) is associated with significant morbidity and no study has addressed the safety of airway clearance techniques (ACT) for non-hospitalized infants. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of the use of ACT combined with bronchodilator and hypertonic saline in non-hospitalized children with the first episode of AVB.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study of infants aged 2-12 months, with a clinical diagnosis of AVB (mild to moderate), was performed. The Wang score, breathing frequency, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), heart rate (HR), and the presence of adverse events were evaluated before, 10 and 20 min after the application of a protocol including ACT (nasal irrigation, prolonged slow expiration, and provoked cough), bronchodilator and hypertonic saline inhalation. A total of 265 infants, mean age 6.86±3.01 months, were included.

RESULTS

A reduction (p<0.001) in the Wang score and in the breathing frequency as well as an increase in SpO₂ were found. There was also a transient HR increment at 10 min followed by a reduction at 20 min (p<0.05). The proportion of patients presenting with chest retraction and wheezing decreased (p<0.001) after treatment. Most of the children (88.3%) did not experience adverse events. A post-treatment increment (p<0.001) of patients classified as having normal values, as well as a decrease in those with mild and moderate AVB, was found for the Wang score levels.

CONCLUSION

The use of ACT combined with bronchodilator and hypertonic saline was safe, immediately after treatment, for non-hospitalized children with mild to moderate AVB. No clinically important deterioration or adverse events were identified in the follow-up period.

Comparative Efficacy of Bronchiolitis Interventions in Acute Care: A Network Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Uncertainty exists as to which treatments are most effective for bronchiolitis, with considerable practice variation within and across health care sites.

OBJECTIVE

A network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of common treatments for bronchiolitis in children aged ≤2 years.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched from inception to September 1, 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

A total 150 randomized controlled trials comparing a placebo or active comparator with any bronchodilator, glucocorticoid steroid, hypertonic saline solution, antibiotic, helium-oxygen therapy, or high-flow oxygen therapy were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted by 1 reviewer and independently verified. Primary outcomes were admission rate on day 1 and by day 7 and hospital length of stay. Strength of evidence was assessed by using Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis .

RESULTS

Nebulized epinephrine (odds ratio: 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44 to 0.93, low confidence) and nebulized hypertonic saline plus salbutamol (odds ratio: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.84, low confidence) reduced the admission rate on day 1. No treatment significantly reduced the admission rate on day 7. Nebulized hypertonic saline (mean difference: -0.64 days, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.26, low confidence) and nebulized hypertonic saline plus epinephrine (mean difference: -0.91 days, 95% CI: -1.14 to -0.40, low confidence) reduced hospital length of stay.

LIMITATIONS

Because we did not report adverse events in this analysis, we cannot make inferences about the safety of these treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Although hypertonic saline alone, or combined with epinephrine, may reduce an infant's stay in the hospital, poor strength of evidence necessitates additional rigorous trials.

LOCATE: a prospective evaluation of the value of Leveraging Ongoing Citation Acquisition Techniques for living Evidence syntheses

BACKGROUND

Living systematic reviews (LSRs) can expedite evidence synthesis by incorporating new evidence in real time. However, the methods needed to identify new studies in a timely manner are not well established.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the value of complementary search approaches in terms of search performance, impact on results and conclusions, screening workload, and feasibility compared to the reference standard.

METHODS

We developed three complementary search approaches for a systematic review on treatments for bronchiolitis: Automated Full Search, PubMed Similar Articles, and Scopus Citing References. These were automated to retrieve results monthly; pairs of reviewers screened the records and commented on feasibility. After 1 year, we conducted a full update search (reference standard). For each complementary approach, we compared search performance (proportion missed, number needed to read [NNR]) and reviewer workload (number of records screened, time required) to the reference standard. We investigated the impact of the new trials on the effect estimate and certainty of evidence for the primary outcomes. We summarized comments about feasibility.

RESULTS

Via the reference standard, reviewers screened 505 titles/abstracts, 24 full texts, and identified four new trials (NNR 127; 12.4 h). Of the complementary approaches, only the Automated Full Search located all four trials; these were located 6 to 12 months sooner than via the reference standard but did not alter the results nor certainty in the evidence. The Automated Full Search was the most resource-intensive approach (816 records screened; NNR 204; 17.1 h). The PubMed Similar Articles and Scopus Citing References approaches located far fewer records (452 and 244, respectively), thereby requiring less screening time (9.4 and 5.2 h); however, each approach located only one of the four new trials. Reviewers found it feasible and convenient to conduct monthly screening for searches of this yield (median 15-65 records/month).

CONCLUSIONS

The Automated Full Search was the most resource-intensive approach, but also the only to locate all of the newly published trials. Although the monthly screening time for the PubMed Similar Articles and Scopus Citing Articles was far less, most relevant records were missed. These approaches were feasible to integrate into reviewer work processes.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6M28H .

Risk factors for RSV associated acute lower respiratory infection poor outcome and mortality in young children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Respiratory syncytial virus associated acute lower respiratory infection (RSV-ALRI) constitutes a substantial disease burden in young children. We aimed to identify all studies investigating the risk factors of RSV-ALRI poor outcome or mortality in young children.We carried out a systematic literature review across 7 databases with data from studies published from January 1995 to December 2019. We defined poor outcome as need for prolonged hospital stay, oxygen supplementation, mechanical ventilation or intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Quality of all eligible studies was assessed according to modified GRADE criteria. We conducted meta-analyses to estimate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for individual risk factors. We identified 27 eligible studies, which investigated 20 risk factors for RSV-ALRI poor outcome and/or mortality in children younger than 5 years old, in comparison to those with RSV-ALRI who did not have poor outcome or mortality. Among those risk factors, 6 had statistically significant associations with RSV-ALRI poor outcome: any comorbidity (OR 2.69 (95% CI 1.89-3.83)), congenital heart disease (3.40 (95% CI 2.14-5.40)), prematurity with gestational age (GA) <37 weeks (1.75 (95% CI 1.31-2.36)), prematurity with GA ≤32 weeks (2.68 (95% CI 1.43-5.04)), age <3 months (4.91 (95% CI 1.64-14.71)), age <6 months (2.02 (95% CI 1.73-2.35)). Apart from age <3 months, the meta-estimate ORs for all other risk factors were based on studies using multivariable analysis. For mortality, only prematurity with GA <37 weeks had a significant meta-estimate of OR 3.81 (95% CI 1.68-8.63) based on univariable analysis.This study represents a comprehensive report of the association between various risk factors and RSV-ALRI poor outcome and mortality in young children. More research should be carried out to elucidate risk factors associated with poor outcome and mortality using multivariable analysis.

Trends Over Time in Use of Nonrecommended Tests and Treatments Since Publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics Bronchiolitis Guideline

IMPORTANCE

Acute viral bronchiolitis is a common and costly pediatric condition for which clinical practice guidelines discourage use of diagnostic tests and therapies.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate trends over time for use of nonrecommended services for bronchiolitis since publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guideline on bronchiolitis (originally published in October 2006 and updated in November 2014).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study was conducted using interrupted time-series regression analysis adjusting for the hospital providing service, patient demographic characteristics, and payer, with 2014 guideline update publication as the event point. Included patients were children younger than 2 years old discharged from the emergency department (ED) or hospital inpatient setting with a primary diagnosis of bronchiolitis at US Children's Hospitals contributing data to the Pediatric Health Information Systems database. Data were analyzed from June through December 2020.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Rates of nonrecommended tests (ie, chest radiography, viral testing, and complete blood cell count) and treatments (ie, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics) were measured.

RESULTS

Among 602 375 encounters involving children with a primary diagnosis of bronchiolitis, 404 203 encounters (67.1%) were ED discharges and 198 172 encounters (32.9%) were inpatient discharges; 468 226 encounters (77.7%) involved children younger than 12 months, and 356 796 encounters (59.2%) involved boys. In the period after initial guideline publication (ie, November 2006 to November 2014), a negative use trajectory was found in all measures except viral testing in the ED group. Using the 2014 guideline update as the event point, several measures showed decreased use between study time periods. The greatest decrease was in bronchodilator use, which changed by -13.5 percentage points in the ED group (95% CI, -15.2 percentage points to -11.8 percentage points) and -11.3 percentage points in the inpatient group (95% CI, -13.1 percentage points to -9.4 percentage points). In the period after the 2014 guideline update (ie, December 2014 to December 2019), bronchodilators also showed the greatest change in usage trajectory, steepening more than 2-fold in both groups. In the ED group, the negative trajectory steepened from -0.11% monthly (95% CI, -0.13% to -0.09%) in the first guideline period to a new mean monthly slope of -0.26% (95% CI, -0.30% to -0.23%). In the inpatient group, the mean monthly slope steepened from -0.08% (95% CI, -0.10 to -0.05%) to -0.26% (95% CI, 0.30% to -0.22%). Length of stay decreased from 2.0 days (95% CI, 1.9 days to 2.1 days) to 1.7 days (95% CI, 1.7 days to 1.8 days). Hospital admission rate decreased from 18.0% (95% CI, 13.8% to 22.2%) to 17.8% (95% CI, 13.6 to 22.1%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This cohort study with interrupted time-series analysis found that use of most nonrecommended bronchiolitis services decreased continuously after 2006. The rate of decline in bronchodilator use increased more than 2-fold after the 2014 guideline update. These findings support potential associations of practice guidelines with improved bronchiolitis care.

Viral lower respiratory tract infections-strict admission guidelines for young children can safely reduce admissions

Viral lower respiratory tract infection (VLRTI) is the most common cause of hospital admission among small children in high-income countries. Guidelines to identify children in need of admission are lacking in the literature. In December 2012, our hospital introduced strict guidelines for admission. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the guidelines. We performed a single-center retrospective administrative database search and medical record review. ICD-10 codes identified children < 24 months assessed at the emergency department for VLRTI for a 10-year period. To identify adverse events related to admission guidelines implementation, we reviewed patient records for all those discharged on primary contact followed by readmission within 14 days. During the study period, 3227 children younger than 24 months old were assessed in the ED for VLRTI. The proportion of severe adverse events among children who were discharged on their initial emergency department contact was low both before (0.3%) and after the intervention (0.5%) (p=1.0). Admission rates before vs. after the intervention were for previously healthy children > 90 days 65.3% vs. 53.3% (p<0.001); for healthy children ≤ 90 days 85% vs. 68% (p<0.001); and for high-risk comorbidities 74% vs. 71% (p=0.5).Conclusion: After implementation of admission guidelines for VLRTI, there were few adverse events and a significant reduction in admissions to the hospital from the emergency department. Our admission guidelines may be a safe and helpful tool in the assessment of children with VLRTI. What is Known: • Viral lower respiratory tract infection, including bronchiolitis, is the most common cause of hospitalization for young children in the developed world. Treatment is mainly supportive, and hospitalization should be limited to the cases in need of therapeutic intervention. • Many countries have guidelines for the management of the disease, but the decision on whom to admit for inpatient treatment is often subjective and may vary even between physicians in the same hospital. What is New: • Implementation of admission criteria for viral lower respiratory tract infection may reduce the rate of hospital admissions without increasing adverse events.

Innate and adaptive immune responses in respiratory virus infection: implications for the clinic

INTRODUCTION

The innate immune response is the first line of defense and consists of physical, chemical and cellular defenses. The adaptive immune response is the second line of defense and is pathogen-specific. Innate immunity occurs immediately while adaptive immunity develops upon pathogen exposure, and is long-lasting, highly specific, and sustained by memory T cells. Respiratory virus infection typically induces effective immunity but over-exuberant responses are associated with pathophysiology. Cytokines expressed in response to viral infection can enhance biological responses, activate, and trigger signaling pathways leading to adaptive immunity Vaccines induce immunity, specifically B and T cell responses. Vaccination is generally efficacious, but for many viruses, our understanding of vaccination strategies and immunity is incomplete or in its infancy. Studies that examine innate and adaptive immune responses to respiratory virus infection will aid vaccine development and may reduce the burden of respiratory viral disease.

AREAS COVERED

A literature search was performed using PubMed. The search covered: innate, adaptive, respiratory virus, vaccine development, B cell, and T cell.

EXPERT OPINION

Immunity rests on two pillars, i.e. the innate and adaptive immune system, which function together on different tasks to maintain homeostasis. a better understanding of immunity is necessary for disease prevention and intervention.

[Acute viral bronchiolitis and wheezy bronchitis in children]

Akute Bronchiolitis und obstruktive Bronchitis sind im Säuglings- und Kleinkindalter sehr häufige Krankheitsbilder. Sie werden durch Viren, v. a. respiratorisches Synzytialvirus und Rhinoviren, verursacht. Risikofaktoren für schwere Verläufe sind u. a. Frühgeburtlichkeit, Tabakrauchexposition und Immundysfunktionen. Die Diagnose kann durch Anamnese und klinische Untersuchung gestellt werden; Thorax-Röntgen und Laboruntersuchungen sind in der Regel nicht notwendig. Für die akute Bronchiolitis wurden viele therapeutische Ansätze propagiert, generell empfohlen sind aber nur supportive Maßnahmen (minimales Handling, Sicherstellung ausreichender Oxygenierung und Hydratation). Routinemäßig nicht empfohlen werden u. a. Antibiotika, Bronchodilatatoren, Kortikosteroide und Leukotrienrezeptorantagonisten. Kurz wirksame β₂-Agonisten sind Therapie der 1. Wahl bei akuter obstruktiver Bronchitis. Bei häufigen und/oder schweren obstruktiven Bronchitiden kann zur Symptomkontrolle eine Therapie mit inhalativen Kortikosteroiden versucht werden. Die Entstehung von Asthma bronchiale ist jedoch durch keine medikamentöse Therapie zu verhindern.