Hypertonic Saline Versus Salbutamol Nebulization In Children With Acute Bronchiolitis

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare the duration of hospital stay with 3% hypertonic saline and salbutamol in children with acute bronchiolitis.

Design: It was a randomized controlled trial.

Study Settings: This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, CMH, Multan from 5th October 2020 to 5th April 2021.

Material and Methods: The study comprised a total of 60 bronchiolitis patients of both sexes. Children in Group A received nebulized 3 percent HS (4 ml) at an oxygen flow rate of 8 L/min, whereas those in Group B received nebulized salbutamol at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg body weight (minimum dose 1 mg) in normal saline at an oxygen flow rate of 8 L/min.

Results: The age range in this study was between 1 month and 2 years, with group A's mean age being 14.366±4.31 months and group B's mean age being 15.800 ±4.15 months. In group A, the average length of stay was 3.533 days; in group B, it was 4.266 days (p=0.000).

Conclusion: According to the findings of the current investigation, nebulizing 3 percent HS is an efficient and secure treatment for moderately unwell, nonasthmatic individuals with acute bronchiolitis. Compared to salbutamol nebulization, HS dramatically reduces the CS scores and length of hospital stay.

Keywords: Children, Bronchiolitis, 3% hypertonic saline, Salbutamol, Duration of hospital stay