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Advances in the treatment and prevention of severe viral bronchiolitis.

Viral bronchiolitis continues to be a major public health problem. Prevention of severe RSV-associated bronchiolitis has been achieved in high-risk infants by passive administration of the humanized monoclonal anti-RSV-F antibody, palivizumab. Development of more potent anti-RSV neutralizing antibodies is underway, and vaccine development continues to progress. Supportive therapy is the mainstay for the treatment of established infection while new antiviral and anti-inflammatory strategies are being explored in preclinical trials.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Chronic, episodic, reversible airway obstruction after viral bronchiolitis in rats.

Viral bronchiolitis in human infants has been associated with persistent airway abnormalities, but not proven as a cause. Previously we observed some adult rats had airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness following bronchiolitis at an early age. The purpose of this study was to determine, via serial measurements of lung mechanics, whether the postbronchiolitis airway obstruction was episodic or continuous, and to determine the magnitude and duration of glucocorticoid effects. Rats were either virus- (n = 14) or sham-inoculated (n = 8) at 3 wks of age. Lung mechanics were measured 6 times in each rat at postinoculation Weeks 11-18. Half the rats in each group were treated with dexamethasone for 3 d at Week 15. The virus group had higher lung resistance (p = 0.03) and lower dynamic compliance (p = 0.005) than control rats, with airway obstruction occurring in an episodic pattern. Dexamethasone treatment had a transient effect in postbronchiolitis rats; lung resistance normalized in Week 15 (p = 0.006), then returned to pretreatment levels by Weeks 16-18. We conclude that viral bronchiolitis in rats can result in a chronic syndrome of intermittent, reversible airway obstruction which has multiple parallels with human asthma over a prolonged time period.

Airway Resistance↗

Persistent airway hyperresponsiveness after neonatal viral bronchiolitis in rats.

Viral bronchiolitis in human infants has been associated with permanent changes in small airways and gas exchange and an increased incidence of hyperresponsive airways later in life. Respiratory infection by Sendai virus in neonatal rats also has been reported to cause permanent changes in lung morphology and increased numbers of bronchiolar mast cells and eosinophils. We evaluated pulmonary mechanics, gas exchange, and airway responsiveness in rats at 7 and 13-16 wk after neonatal Sendai virus infection. Rats from the virus group had lower arterial PO2 and increased total lung resistance compared with controls. There were no significant differences between groups for arterial PCO2, dynamic lung compliance, quasi-static respiratory system compliance, or vital capacity. Rats from the infected group were significantly more sensitive to aerosolized methacholine than were controls, although both virus and control groups became less sensitive with age. We conclude that neonatal Sendai virus infection in rats results in persistent alterations in lung function and airway responsiveness. This phenomenon may be valuable for the study of the relationships among airway inflammation, lung morphology, and airway hyperresponsiveness, and it may be relevant to human airway disease.

Airway Resistance↗

Pulmonary function during the first year of life following acute viral bronchiolitis.

It has been suggested that acute viral bronchiolitis in infants may result in functional changes that predispose toward chronic pulmonary disease later in life. We assessed pulmonary function (PF) during the acute phase of viral bronchiolitis in infants and up to 12 mo later from static respiratory system compliance (Crs), using weighted spirometry, the distribution of ventilation by the mixing index (MI), and the functional residual capacity (FRC) measured by closed-circuit helium dilution (FRCHe). The study was performed in 24 infants (13 males and 11 females; median [25 to 75% range] age: 11 [9.6 to 13.3] wk; weight: 4.8 [4.3 to 5.0] kg; crown-to-heel length: 57.7 [55.5 to 59.0] cm) at admission and at 2 wk. In 17 infants, measurements were repeated 3 mo and 12 mo later. Predicted values and individual 95% prediction intervals for Crs, MI, and FRCHe were derived from 69 healthy infants (33 boys and 36 girls; median age [25 to 75% range]: 4.7 [2.0 to 21.4] wk; weight: 3.6 [3.0 to 6.9] kg; crown-to-heel length: 51.5 [48 to 61] cm). Data at admission and after discharge were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with those in the healthy controls matched for crown-to-heel length. At admission all three variables gave lower average results than predicted means. Values for each index had attained a normal level 2 wk after admission; normal levels were maintained at 3 and 12 mo. The prevalence of recurrent wheezing (five of the 17 infants) was comparable with that reported in population studies. These findings suggest that in this population acute viral bronchiolitis did not lead to permanent changes in PF.

Acute Disease↗

Management of respiratory failure in infants with acute viral bronchiolitis.

Fifteen infants with acute viral bronchiolitis required mechanical ventilation. Infants were all aged less than 12 weeks and all had evidence of atelectasis or pneumonia on chest x-ray films. Respiratory syncytial virus was identified by immunofluorescence in 14 of 15 patients. Intubation and mechanical ventilation were initiated to reduce the work of breathing rather than to treat hypoxemia alone. Additional therapy included continuous positive airway pressure or positive end-expiratory pressure, sedation, aminophylline, diuretics, fluid restriction, and early feeding.

Acute Disease↗

Effect of ICAM-1 blockade on lung inflammation and physiology during acute viral bronchiolitis in rats.

Viral respiratory infections cause acute bronchiolitis and physiologic dysfunction in human infants and in animals. It is possible that the pulmonary dysfunction is a consequence of the inflammatory cells that are recruited during viral illness. We hypothesized that blockade of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a major cell adhesion molecule, would impede the ingress of leukocytes during viral infection and attenuate virus-induced pulmonary dysfunction. Adult male rats were inoculated with parainfluenza type 1 (Sendai) virus or sterile vehicle, and treated with blocking or nonblocking MAb specific for rat ICAM-1. Respiratory system resistance, oxygenation (PaO2), methacholine responsiveness, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) leukocyte counts were measured in anesthetized, paralyzed, ventilated rats. Treatment with the blocking ICAM-1 antibody reduced virus-induced increases in BAL neutrophils and lymphocytes by 70% (p < 0.001), but did not affect BAL monocytes/macrophages. Peripheral blood leukocyte counts were elevated in anti-ICAM-1 blocking antibody-treated rats (p = 0.0003). Although virus-induced increases in resistance and decreases in PaO2 were not affected by anti-ICAM-1 treatment, there was a small but significant attenuation of virus-induced methacholine hyperresponsiveness (p = 0.02). We conclude that ICAM-1 has an important role in neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration during respiratory viral illness, and that virus-induced changes in pulmonary physiology are not related directly to the numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes that migrate to the air spaces during infection.

Acute Disease↗

[Pulmonary blood flow distribution in acute viral bronchiolitis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess lung perfusion patterns in inpatients with acute viral bronchiolitis using quantitative 99mTc-MAA scintigraphy so as to establish an association with clinical and radiological findings. METHODS: A comparative, prospective case series study with a focus on diagnosis was carried out in a population of patients with acute viral bronchiolitis admitted to Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Inclusion criteria were age between 1 and 24 months and first sudden-onset wheezing episode, suggesting bronchiolitis. The patients in the study were submitted to clinical, radiological and 99mTc-MAA lung perfusion evaluation during the first 24 hours of admission. Statistical analysis employed t test, taking into consideration a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The regional distribution of lung blood flow in the 38 patients studied was more pronounced in the upper section of the left lung in relation to the right lung (P<0.001). The distribution gradients of blood flow between the upper and middle and upper and lower sections were higher in the left lung (P<0.001). The distribution gradients of blood flow between the middle and lower sections were higher in the right lung, but without significance. The distribution gradient of the pulmonary flow in the anteroposterior axis was >1.0 in the upper and middle sections of both lungs. In the lower section it was >1.0 only in the right lung (P<0.007). There was no association between lung blood flow distribution patterns and clinical or radiological findings. CONCLUSION: There was no evidence of an association between lung blood flow distribution and ventilation-perfusion ratio in hospitalized infants with acute viral bronchiolitis; only a tendency to redirect lung blood flow towards upper lung sections was observed.

English Abstract↗

[Acute viral bronchiolitis - still subject for controversy]

OBJECTIVES: The authors review the current literature on acute viral bronchiolitis discussing the points still subject to controversy in regard to its treatment. At the same time, a personal point of view on the management of this disorder based on the authorś experience is also expressed.METHODS: The main published papers from the last twenty years were selected from a Medline database search.RESULTS: Acute viral bronchiolitis is an acute viral illness of the lower respiratory tract occuring most frequently during the first year of life. In spite of its important prevalence and the relative risk that this disorder may pose to pediatric patients there is still a lot of controversy in regard to its treatment. However, it seems of paramount importance to mainten an adequate hidration, to prevent cross infection and to offer supplementary oxygen. There are many doubts as to the role of bronchodilators and antivirals such as ribavirin. There are new hopes with the introduction of specific immunoglobulin, mostly as a prophylactic role in respiratory syncycial virus infection in at risk populations. Steroids seem to have no place in the treatment at least in the acute stages of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Acute viral bronchiolitis is still a disorder which lacks a specific treatment. The routine treatment has little changed for the last 30 years and there is controversy in regard to its management in the different clinical centers.

Journal Article↗

Hypertonic saline/epinephrine treatment in hospitalized infants with viral bronchiolitis reduces hospitalization stay: 2 years experience.

BACKGROUND: We recently published preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of hypertonic saline in infants with viral bronchiolitis. OBJECTIVE: To further establish the efficacy of nebulized hypertonic saline in these infants. METHODS: In a continuing, second-year randomized, doubleblind controlled trial, an additional 41 infants (age 2.6 +/- 1 months) hospitalized with viral bronchiolitis were recruited during the winter of 2001-2002. The infants received inhalation of 1.5 mg epinephrine dissolved either in 4 ml normal (0.9%) saline (Group I, n=20) or 4 ml hypertonic (3%) saline (Group II, n=22). The therapy was repeated three times daily until discharge. Pooling our 2 years of experience (2000-2002), a total of 93 hospitalized infants with viral bronchiolitis were recruited; 45 were assigned to Group I and 48 to Group II. RESULTS: The clinical scores at baseline were 7.6 +/- 0.7 for Group I vs. 7.4 +/- 1.3 for Group II (P = NS). However, the clinical scores at days 1 and 2 after inhalation differed significantly between the two groups, invariably favoring Group II: 7 +/- 1 vs. 6.25 +/- 1.1 (P< 0.05), 6.45 +/- 1 vs. 5.35 +/- 1.35 (P< 0.05), respectively. Adding aerosolized 3% saline to 1.5 mg epinephrine reduced the hospitalization stay from 3.5 +/- 1.7 days in Group I to 2.6 +/- 1.4 in Group II (P< 0.05). The pooled data of both years revealed that adding 3% saline to the inhalation mixture decreased hospitalization stay from 3.6 +/- 1.6 to 2.8 +/- 1.3 days (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This second-year experience and our 2 year pooled data analysis strengthen the evidence that the combination of 3% saline/1.5 mg epinephrine benefits hospitalized infants with viral bronchiolitis.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution treatment in hospitalized infants with viral bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of inhaled hypertonic saline solution to treat infants hospitalized with viral bronchiolitis. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Fifty-two hospitalized infants (mean +/- SD age, 2.9 +/- 2.1 months) with viral bronchiolitis received either inhalation of epinephrine, 1.5 mg, in 4 mL of 0.9% saline solution (group 1; n = 25) or inhalation of epinephrine, 1.5 mg, in 4 mL of 3% saline solution (group 2; n = 27). This therapy was repeated three times every hospitalization day until discharge. RESULTS: The percentage improvement in the clinical severity scores after inhalation therapy was not significant in group 1 on the first, second, and third days after hospital admission (3.5%, 2%, and 4%, respectively). In group 2, significant improvement was observed on these days (7.3%, 8.9%, and 10%, respectively; p < 0.001). Also, the improvement in clinical severity scores differed significantly on each of these days between the two groups. Using 3% saline solution decreased the hospitalization stay by 25%: from 4 +/- 1.9 days in group 1 to 3 +/- 1.2 days in group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in nonasthmatic, nonseverely ill infants hospitalized with viral bronchiolitis, aerosolized 3% saline solution/1.5 mg epinephrine decreases symptoms and length of hospitalization as compared to 0.9% saline solution/1.5 mg epinephrine.

Acute Disease↗

Acute viral bronchiolitis and its sequelae in developing countries.

Acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) is a common disease found throughout the world. Various aspects of it are being studied: its epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Most of these studies are being conducted in developed countries, with only a few taking place in developing countries. Risk factors such as poor nutrition, an adverse environment and early weaning should be studied where these features are common. Treatment aspects such as cost-effectiveness in low income settings need further study. Use of ribavirin and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-immunoglobulin are good examples. Post-bronchiolitic sequelae also need to be studied in low income countries. There is evidence that bronchiolitis obliterans is unusually frequent in some Latin-American countries such as Argentina and Brazil. It will be helpful to undertake combined studies in countries with the same socio-economics, investigating the preventive and management aspects of AVB and its sequelae to reduce the morbidity and mortality.

Acute Disease↗

Nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution treatment in ambulatory children with viral bronchiolitis decreases symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of inhaled hypertonic saline solution to treat ambulatory infants with viral bronchiolitis. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Sixty-five ambulatory infants (mean +/- SD age, 12.5 +/- 6 months) with viral bronchiolitis received either of the following: inhalation of 0.5 mL (5 mg) terbutaline added to 2 mL of 0.9% saline solution as a wet nebulized aerosol (control; group 1; n = 32) or 0.5 mL (5 mg) terbutaline added to 2 mL of 3% saline solution administered in the same manner as above (treatment; group 2; n = 33). This therapy was repeated three times every day for 5 days. RESULTS: The clinical severity (CS) scores at baseline on the first day of treatment were 6.4 +/- 1.8 in group 1 and 6.6 +/- 1.5 in group 2 (not significant). After the first day, the CS score was significantly lower (better) in group 2 as compared to group 1 on each of the treatment days (p < 0.005; Fig 1 ). On the first day, the percentage decrease in the CS score after inhalation therapy was significantly better for group 2 (33%) than for group 1 (13%) [p < 0.005; Fig 1 ]. On the second day, the percentage improvement was better in the hypertonic saline solution-treated patients (group 2) as compared to the 0.9% saline solution-treated patients (group 1) [p = 0.01; Fig 1 ]. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in nonasthmatic, nonseverely ill ambulatory infants with viral bronchiolitis, aerosolized 3% saline solution plus 5 mg terbutaline is effective in decreasing symptoms as compared to 0.9% saline solution plus 5 mg terbutaline.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

A randomized, controlled trial of the effectiveness of nebulized therapy with epinephrine compared with albuterol and saline in infants hospitalized for acute viral bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVE: In previously well infants hospitalized with acute viral bronchiolitis, the effectiveness of repeated nebulized therapy with epinephrine (EPI) was compared with treatment with albuterol (ALB) or saline placebo (PLAC). STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, controlled trial, infants received study nebulizations every 1 to 6 hours and were assessed twice daily by the research team. The primary outcome was length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included the time from admission until the infant had normal hydration, oxygenation, and minimal respiratory distress. RESULTS: A total of 149 infants were randomized; 50 were allocated to receive racemic EPI, 51 were given ALB, and 48 received PLAC. Baseline characteristics and pre-enrollment symptoms, signs, and therapy were similar between groups. There were no group differences in the primary outcome measure, mean LOS (hours)(+/- SD): EPI = 59.8 (62), ALB = 61.4 (54), and PLAC = 63.3 (47); P =.95 by intent-to-treat analysis. Group differences were not statistically significant in any of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There were no group differences in the effectiveness of therapy for infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis. Based on these results, we do not recommend routine use of either nebulized EPI or ALB in this patient group.

Acute Disease↗

Glucocorticoids for acute viral bronchiolitis in infants and young children.

BACKGROUND: Systemic glucocorticoids have been widely prescribed for use in infants and young children with acute viral bronchiolitis but the actual benefit of this intervention requires clarification. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the evidence on the effectiveness of systemic glucocorticoids for the treatment of infants and young children with acute viral bronchiolitis. SEARCH STRATEGY: Multiple strategies were incorporated to maximize identification of suitable studies. The following databases were searched: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2003); MEDLINE (January 1966 to September 2003); Current Contents (1998 to 2000); EMBASE (January 1990 to September 2003); and Sci Search. Handsearches through cited references and contacts with experts were also used. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only randomised controlled trials (RCT) were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if participants were diagnosed with acute viral bronchiolitis and treated with systemic (oral, intramuscular or intravenous) corticosteroids. Three reviewers independently selected potentially relevant articles. Four reviewers evaluated these studies, determined eligibility and assessed the methodological quality of each RCT. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The primary outcome of interest was length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were: respiratory rate, haemoglobin oxygen saturation, and hospital admission and revisit rates. Data were extracted independently by the four reviewers and the results compiled and compared. Two reviewers reassessed studies to clarify points of discrepancy in the data extraction and database entry processes. Missing data were requested from the authors or calculated from other data presented in the study report. MAIN RESULTS: There was complete agreement on the inclusion of 13 trials and the exclusion of five studies. Two main study recruitment groups were identified: a) infants and young children within the first 48 hours of hospitalisation (10 trials), and b) outpatient infants and young children who were randomised from the emergency department and who may nor may not have required hospital admission (three trials).A total of 1,198 children aged 0 to 30 months were treated with the equivalent of 0.5 to 10 mg/kg of systemic prednisone for two to seven days. Outcomes of interest were not measured in each RCT. In the pooled analysis of seven trials, there was a decrease in LOS in treated children of 0.38 days (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.81 to 0.05), indicating no significant difference between treatment groups. In the pooled analysis of eight trials, the day three clinical score measured: a standard mean difference (SMD) of -0.20 (95% CI -0.73 to 0.32), indicating no difference between treatment groups. Subgroup analyses for base LOS and clinical score outcomes were performed on infants who were a) less than 12 months of age, b) all respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positive, c) treated with less than 6 mg/kg of prednisone equivalent throughout the illness and d) first-time wheezers. These were limited by the small number of studies in each subgroup. Hospital admission rates were examined in three trials and no difference was seen between treatment groups (odds ratio (OR) 1.05 (95% CI 0.23 to 4.87). Readmission rates were reported in six studies; with no significant differences between treatment groups. Hospital revisit rates were reported in three studies, with a significant difference between treatment groups reported in one study only. The respiratory rate and haemoglobin oxygen saturation were reported descriptively in six RCTs; no differences were found between groups. Co-interventions (oxygen, supportive fluids and bronchodilators) were used similarly between treatment groups in all RCTs. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: No benefits were found in either LOS or clinical score in infants and young children treated with systemic glucocorticoids as compared to placebo. There were no differences in these outcomes between treatment groups; either in the pooled groups; either in the pooled analysis or in any of the sub analyses. Among the three studies evaluating hospital admission rates following the initial hospital visit there was no difference between treatment groups. There were no differences found in respiratory rate, haemoglobin oxygen saturation, hospital revisit or readmission rates. Subgroup analyses were significantly limited by the low number of studies in each comparison. Marked study heterogeneity and occasionally conflicting direction of benefit between trials suggests that these results should be interpreted with caution. Specific data on the harm of corticosteroid therapy in this patient population are lacking. Available evidence suggests that corticosteroid therapy is not of benefit in this patient group.

Acute Disease↗

[Clinical and transcutaneous oxygen saturation characteristics in hospitalized infants with acute viral bronchiolitis].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of infants with acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) and to assess the influence of oxygen desaturation time (DT) as a prognostic test to estimate the evolution of such patients. METHODS: We performed a cohort study with 111 hospitalized patients diagnosed with AVB receiving oxygen therapy through nasal prong. The outcomes were: length of admission, length of oxygen therapy and time elapsed to read 95% saturation in room air. A severity score was obtained twice a day based on clinical signs during the time when the patient required oxygen supplementation. After the supply of oxygen was interrupted, the time required for transcutaneous oxygen saturation decreased to 90% and 85%. The Chi2 test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare categorical variables. The t test or Mann-Whitney's test were used for numerical variables. Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate associations in continuous variables with asymmetric distribution. RESULTS: Most patients (61.3%) were younger than 4 months. Patients with wheezing history (45%) were analyzed separately and had similar results to those of the group with AVB (p< or =0.05). Twenty-six patients (23%) had moderate or severe malnutrition. All patients were using bronchodilators; 20% were using systemic corticosteroids; and 47%, antibiotics. The median time of oxygen therapy required for a reading of 95% oxygen saturation in room air was 83 hours (IQI 55-128). The median of length of admission was 7 days (IQI 5-10.5). Little clinical variability was observed in the period studied. No significant correlations were found between the clinical scores, DT and the outcomes. CONCLUSION: DT was not useful as an aid to assess AVB patients on oxygen therapy in this study. It is possible that this tool could have been more useful in patients with more clinical variability.

Acute Disease↗

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of epinephrine for the treatment of acute viral bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists surrounding the use of bronchodilators for bronchiolitis. Epinephrine hydrochloride is being used with increasing frequency in this group; however, its efficacy has not been systematically reviewed. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review randomized controlled trials comparing inhaled or systemic epinephrine vs placebo or other bronchodilators. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, primary authors, and reference lists. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were included if they (1) were randomized, controlled trials; (2) involved children 2 years or younger with bronchiolitis; and (3) presented quantitative outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. DATA SYNTHESIS: We included 14 studies (7 inpatient, 6 outpatient, and 1 patient status unknown). Thirteen of forty-five comparisons were significant. Among outpatients, results favored epinephrine compared with placebo for clinical score at 60 minutes (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.56 to -0.07), oxygen saturation at 30 minutes (weighted mean difference [WMD], 2.79; 95% CI, 1.50-4.08), respiratory rate at 30 minutes (WMD, -4.54; 95% CI, -8.89 to -0.19), and improvement (odds ratio, 25.06; 95% CI, 4.95-126.91); among inpatients, for clinical score at 60 minutes (SMD, -0.52; 95% CI, -1.00 to -0.03). Among outpatients, results favored epinephrine compared with albuterol sulfate (salbutamol) for oxygen saturation at 60 minutes (WMD, 1.91; 95% CI, 0.38-3.44), heart rate at 90 minutes (WMD, -14.00; 95% CI, -22.95 to -5.05), respiratory rate at 60 minutes (WMD, -7.76; 95% CI, -11.35 to -4.17), and improvement (odds ratio, 4.51; 95% CI, 1.93-10.53); among inpatients, respiratory rate at 30 minutes (WMD, -5.12; 95% CI, -6.83 to -3.41). CONCLUSIONS: Epinephrine may be favorable compared with placebo and albuterol for short-term benefits among outpatients. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of epinephrine among inpatients. Large, multicentered trials are required before routine use among outpatients can be strongly recommended.

Acute Disease↗

Bronchial reactivity in infants in acute respiratory failure with viral bronchiolitis.

Airway reactivity and the effects of bronchodilators in infants are controversial. We studied the response to bronchodilator treatment in 14 mechanically ventilated infants (mean age, 2.74 months; range, 0.6-5.9) in respiratory failure caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated bronchiolitis. Sixteen infants without lung disease, undergoing elective surgery, provided normal values. Maximum expiratory deflation flow-volume (DFV) curves were produced by manual inflation of the lungs with an anesthesia bag to a predetermined static airway pressure followed by rapid deflation with a negative airway pressure before and after administration of bronchodilator. At baseline, the bronchiolitis group had a forced vital capacity (FVC) of 34.5 +/- 3.6 ml/kg compared with 41.8 +/- 1.5 ml/kg in the normal group; maximum expiratory flow rate at 25% of FVC (MEF25) was 10.2 +/- 2.0 ml/kg/s compared with 27.3 +/- 2.0 ml/kg/s in the normal group. The clinical and radiologic impression was severe lower airway obstruction and air trapping. After administration of bronchodilator, FVC did not increase significantly, but MEF25isov increased by over 30% in 13 of 14 infants. Mean MEF25 increased by 148 +/- 43.2% to 21.7 +/- 3.9 ml/kg/s (P less than 0.02). These findings indicate that during the acute phase of severe RSV-positive bronchiolitis most infants have airway reactivity that responds positively to bronchodilator treatment.

Acute Disease↗