Efficacy of nebulised epinephrine versus salbutamol in hospitalised children with bronchiolitis

Abstract

Background: The use of bronchodilators in bronchiolitis lacks consensus. The efficacy of nebulised epinephrine versus salbutamol in bronchiolitis and the safety profile of the bronchodilators was studied. Methods: Effects of nebulised epinephrine and salbutamol were compared in children with moderate to severe acute bronchiolitis. Thirty children between 2 to 24 months of age were recruited, 15 in each treatment group. Children received periodic (0,30,60 minutes followed by 4 hourly) doses of either 1:1000 laevo- epinephrine (0.5ml/kg subject to a maximum of 2.5ml with 3ml saline) or salbutamol (0.15mg/kg with 3ml saline) via nebuliser with oxygen. Changes in heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), respiratory distress assessment instrument (RDAI), oxygen saturation (SpO2), oxygen requirement, duration of hospital stay and the side effects were studied. Results: The respiratory status was better with significant improvement in RR, RDAI score and SpO2, decreased oxygen requirement and shorter hospital stay in the epinephrine group. There were no significant side effects in either group. Conclusion: Nebulised epinephrine is a useful and safe drug for moderate/severe bronchiolitis and is superior to salbutamol.