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Hypertonic (3%) saline Vs 0.9% saline nebulization for acute viral bronchiolitis: A randomized controlled trial

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Abstract

Objective

To compare the length of hospital stay (primary) and improvement in clinical severity scores (secondary) among children with bronchiolitis nebulized with 3 % hypertonic saline or 0.9% saline.

Design

Randomized double blind controlled trial.

Setting

Tertiary care teaching hospital.

Patients

Hospitalized children (1–24 months) with acute bronchiolitis of moderate severity.

Intervention

Nebulization of 4 ml of 3% hypertonic saline or 4 mL of 0.9% saline, along with 2.5 mg salbutamol, at 4-hourly intervals till the patient was ready for discharge.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar in two groups. Median clinical severity score at admission was 6 (IQR-1) in both the groups. Clinical severity scores monitored afterwards 12-hourly till discharge (132 h) did not show statistically significant differences in 3% and 0.9% saline groups. Mean length of hospital stay (time to reach predefined clinical severity score<3) was 63.93 ± 22.43 h in 3% saline group and 63.51 ± 21.27 h in 0.9% saline group (P=0.878). No adverse events were reported by the parents, caregivers or treating medical attendants in both groups.

Conclusion

Nebulized 3 % saline is not superior to 0.9% saline in infants with clinically diagnosed acute bronchiolitis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, SPMCHI, SMS Medical College and Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Sitapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

    Bhagwan S. Sharma, Mukesh K. Gupta & Shaikh P. Rafik

  2. B-2, New Hira Bagh Flats, Near Nurses’ Hostel, SMS Hospital Campus, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302 004, India

    Bhagwan S. Sharma

Authors
  1. Bhagwan S. Sharma
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  2. Mukesh K. Gupta
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  3. Shaikh P. Rafik
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Correspondence to Bhagwan S. Sharma.

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Sharma, B.S., Gupta, M.K. & Rafik, S.P. Hypertonic (3%) saline Vs 0.9% saline nebulization for acute viral bronchiolitis: A randomized controlled trial . Indian Pediatr 50, 743–747 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-013-0216-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-013-0216-8

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