Computerized Assessment of Wheezing in Children With Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis Before and After Hypertonic Saline Nebulization.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Studies suggest an effect of nebulized hypertonic saline solution on air-flow limitation in subjects with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis, but results are based on subjective scores of clinical severity and are not clear. In this observational study, we used a noninvasive computerized tool to quantify wheezing before and after nebulization with hypertonic saline in children admitted for RSV infection.

METHODS:

Twenty-seven children (≤ 24 months old) admitted to the pediatric ward of the Medical Center Leeuwarden with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed RSV bronchiolitis were included. Subjects were simultaneously assessed both clinically and by computerized acoustic monitoring before and 15 min after treatment with nebulized hypertonic saline solution.

RESULTS:

Clinical assessment, defined by the Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument score, did not change after nebulization (n = 27, 5.0 vs 4.7, P = .17). Computerized acoustic monitoring showed no improvement in wheezing (n = 27, 3.4% vs 2.0%, P = .05) or inspiration/expiration ratio (0.85 vs 0.85, P = .93) after nebulization.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hypertonic saline nebulization does not improve air flow, as assessed by both clinical and computerized acoustic scores, in children admitted for RSV.

• Authors: Tina E Faber, Arvid Wa Kamps, Machtelt H Sjoerdsma, Stephanie Vermeulen, Nic Jgm Veeger, Louis J Bont
• Journal: Respiratory care (Respir Care) Vol. 60 Issue 9 Pg. 1252-6 (Sep 2015) ISSN: 1943-3654 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25922547 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Chemical References

• Saline Solution, Hypertonic

Topics

• Acoustics
• Auscultation (instrumentation, methods)
• Bronchiolitis, Viral (complications, physiopathology)
• Child, Preschool
• Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Male
• Nebulizers and Vaporizers
• Respiration
• Respiratory Sounds (diagnosis, drug effects)
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections (complications, physiopathology)
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human
• Saline Solution, Hypertonic (administration & dosage)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Symptom Assessment (methods)