THE USE OF BRONCHODILATORS AND CORTICOSTEROIDS IN RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIALVIRUS LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION

Abstract

We reviewed the treatment practices namely the use of nebulised bronchodilators and oral steroids in 185 children admitted between 1st January 1993 and 315* December 1995 with the diagnosis of RSV chest infection. 135 (73%) of them received nebulised bronchodilators. Nebulised bronchodilators were more likely to be prescribed for patients who were younger ( 7.85 i 5.1 vs 11.8 i 7.4 months, p = 0.001),
had a family history of bronchial asthma (36% vs 16% p = 0.008 ), a higher respiratory rate ( 151 $15 vs 146 i 13 per minute, p = 0.0001 ) and Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument Score (RDA!) score (4.5 i 2.4 vs 3.0 i 2.4, p = 0.001). Patients who were clinically assessed to have more severe respiratory distress at admission were also more likely to receive nebulised bronchodilators (p = 0.03). Gender, race and the presence of an underlying illness did not influence the decision to administer nebulised bronchodilators. There was, however, no difference in the duration of hospital stay between the patients who received nebulised bronchodilators and those who did not. (7.1 +- 4.9 vs 6.6 +- 6.2 days, p= 0.53). Only one patient received oral steroid treatment. Nebulised bronchodilators were generally administered to patients who were younger, those with a family history of bronchial asthma and who were clinically in more severe respiratory distress.