PO-1041b A Comparative Study of Two Medication Groups Of Infants With Moderate Bronchiolitis

Abstract

Aim: To compare effect of racemic epinephrine (RE) and 3 % Hypertonic saline (HS) nebulization on length of hospital stay (LOS) of infants with moderate bronchiolitis. Method: Infants with 'moderate' bronchiolitis presenting to Emergency were enrolled (October 2013'March 2014) as per defined inclusion exclusion criteria and severity tool [1]. Alternate participants were assigned RE or HS groups and monitored minimum every 4 h. Results: Of total of 80, 16 infants in HS group and 18 infants in RE group were enrolled. The demographics of the two groups were similar. One infant from RE group and 3 from HS group were excluded due to progression to severe disease. In RE group, out of 17 remaining infants, the length of stay ranged between 18 and 160 h (Mean 45 ± 38 h). In HS group, out of remaining 13 infants, the length of stay ranged between 18.50 and 206 h (Mean 83 ± 56 h). The mean 'length of stay' in group with RE alone was significantly reduced (t test, p 0.03) as compared to the HS group. No infant in RE group whereas four infants in HS group required oxygen therapy. One patient in RE group and two patients in HS required the intravenous fluids. Conclusion: Racemic Epinephrine nebulization as first-line medication reduces length of hospital stay in infants with moderate bronchiolitis.