Episode Of Acute Bronchiolitis Research Articles

Air pollution after acute bronchiolitis is a risk factor for preschool asthma: a nested case-control study

BackgroundAcute bronchiolitis and air pollution are both risk factor of pediatric asthma. This study aimed to assess subsequent exposure to air pollutants related to the inception of preschool asthma in infants with acute bronchiolitis. This study aimed to assess subsequent exposure to air pollutants related to the inception of preschool asthma in infants with acute bronchiolitis.MethodsA nested case-control retrospective study was performed at the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital systems between 2009 and 2019. The average concentration of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO, NO2, and NOX was collected for three, six, and twelve months after the first infected episode. Adjusted regression models were employed to evaluate the association between asthma and air pollution exposure after bronchiolitis.ResultsTwo thousand six hundred thirty-seven children with acute bronchiolitis were included. Exposure to PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO, NO2, and NOX in the three, six, and twelve months following an episode of bronchiolitis was found to significantly increase the risk of preschool asthma in infants with a history of bronchiolitis.(OR, 95%CI: PM10 = 1.517-1.559, 1.354–1.744; PM2.5 = 2.510-2.603, 2.148–3.061; SO2 = 1.970-2.040, 1.724–2.342; ; NO = 1.915-1.950, 1.647–2.272; NO2 = 1.915-1.950, 1.647–2.272; NOX = 1.752-1.970, 1.508–2.252) In a sensitive analysis of hospitalized infants, only PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO were found to have significant effects during all time periods. (OR, 95%CI: PM10 = 1.613-1.650, 1.240–2.140; PM2.5 = 2.208-2.286, 1.568–3.061; SO2 = 1.679-1.622, 1.197–2.292; NO = 1.525-1.557, 1.094–2.181)ConclusionThe presence of ambient PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO in the three, six, and twelve months following an episode of acute bronchiolitis has been linked to the development of preschool asthma in infants with a history of acute bronchiolitis.

Postinfectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans

Childhood bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is an uncommon complication that is characterized clinically by persistent and continuous obstructive respiratory symptoms, and has been described secondary to various etiologic factors, including drugs, exposure to toxic fumes, allergic reactions, collagen vascular disease or infections. BO occurs most commonly in children after an episode of acute bronchiolitis and is considered a long-term sequela of viral infection.Postinfectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans (PIBO) is characterized by persistent airway obstruction with functional and radiological evidence of small airway involvement that is in general unresponsive to bronchodilator treatment.Although the condition is relatively rare, and its exact incidence is unknown, it is important to keep it in mind. PIBO is complication of lower respiratory tract epithelial injury, and is often misdiagnosed, delaying recognition and potential treatment. A PIBO diagnosis is usually based on a few factors, including a good medical history, positive clinical findings, and lung function test and imaging results, although biopsy and histopathology remain as the optimum diagnostic approach. There have to date been few studies proposing treatments for the condition, and no accepted protocol exists in literature. There is usually a fixed airway obstruction in PIBO. Various treatment approaches have been extrapolated from studies of post bone marrow transplantations and lung transplant BO. The clinical course is variable, and good supportive therapy is essential, with anti-inflammatory therapy often being employed.

Rhinovirus Infection and Familial Atopy Predict Persistent Asthma and Sensitisation 7 Years after a First Episode of Acute Bronchiolitis in Infancy.

Background: We set out to assess the risk factors for asthma outcome in a cohort of infants who experienced their first episode of acute bronchiolitis. Methods: A cohort of 222 infants who were included during a first episode of acute bronchiolitis was prospectively followed. Herein, we present the results of their assessments (symptom history, skin prick tests, specific IgE assay, respiratory function tests) at age seven. Results: Of the 68/222 (30.6%) children assessed at age seven, 15 (22.05%) presented with asthma and were mainly males (p = 0.033), 14 (20%) had respiratory allergies, 17 (25%) presented atopic dermatitis and none had a food allergy. Family history of atopy was associated with asthma and sensitisation to aeroallergens at age seven (p = 0.003, p = 0.007). Rhinovirus (hRV) infection and rhinovirus/respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) co-infection were significantly associated with asthma at age seven (p = 0.035, p = 0.04), but not with the initial severity of bronchiolitis. Eosinophil counts at ages three and seven were significantly higher in the asthmatics (p = 0.01, p = 0.046). Conclusion: Any infant, especially male, presenting a first episode of acute bronchiolitis due to hRV with a family history of atopy should be closely monitored via follow-up due to a higher risk for asthma at school age.

Cathelicidin levels in nasal secretions are associated with the severity of acute bronchiolitis.

To investigate the association of serum vitamin D and nasal secretion antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) levels with the severity of acute bronchiolitis. We conducted a prospective single pediatric tertiary care center cohort study of inpatients aged 0-18 months with a first episode of acute bronchiolitis from November 1st 2014 to April 30th 2017. Disease severity was determined by the length of hospitalization and supplemental hospital data. Qualitative measurements included serum 25(OH)D and nasal secretion LL-37 and β-defensin-2 levels. Correlations were examined with the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis criteria for qualitative and the correlation coefficient Spearman's rho for quantitative factors. Multiple linear and logarithmic regression were performed to adjust for confounding factors. The study population consisted of 153 infants and toddlers with median age 3.1 months (interquartile range:1.6-4.9). No association was found between serum 25(OH)D and AMPs nasal secretions levels. Serum 25(OH)D and nasal secretion β-defensin-2 levels were not associated with the severity of bronchiolitis. In contrast, LL-37 levels were inversely associated with the length of hospitalization (rho = -0.340, p = .001), the need for medication use (p = .001), as well as the duration of oxygen supplementation (rho = -0.339, p = .001), and intravenous fluid administration (rho = -0.323, p = .001). This association remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders. A significant association between LL-37 nasal secretions levels with the severity of acute bronchiolitis was found in hospitalized infants and toddlers. The role of LL-37 in the pathogenesis of bronchiolitis merits further investigation.

Comparison of high-flow nasal cannula and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in children with acute bronchiolitis

Objective: In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in children with increased work of breathing due to acute bronchiolitis. However, there are only limited studies comparing the efficacy of these two interventions. This study was done to compare efficacy and patients' comfort while receiving HFNC and NIPPV for acute bronchiolitis.Materials and Methods: Children admitted with the first episode of acute bronchiolitis with respiratory distress (modified Wood's Clinical Asthma Score >3) were randomized to receive NIPPV and HFNC. FiO2was titrated to achieve a SpO2of ≥94%. If the child was agitated and had a COMFORT B score of ≥17, dexmedetomidine infusion was started. The protocol lasted for at least 24 h or till the respiratory support was required as decided by the treating physician. Outcome parameters measured were failure of intervention and patient comfort (using COMFORT B scores). Social science system version SPSS 17.0 was used for statistical testing.P < 0.05 was taken to indicate a significant difference for all statistical tests.Results: Twenty-five cases were enrolled in each study group. Failure of therapy was noted in 11 (44%) patients in the HFNC group and 6 (24%) in the NIPPV group (P = 0.18). COMFORT B score was significantly better in the HFNC group as compared to the NIPPV group (NIPPV12 vs. HFNC 8;P < 0.001). A number of cases requiring sedation and duration of sedation (dexmedetomidine) were more in the NIPPV group as compared to the HFNC group (22 vs. 10, P = 0.02, and 31.2 vs. 20.6 h, P = 0.04).Conclusion: This study suggests that possibly HFNC and NIPPV are equally efficient in the treatment of moderate-to-severe bronchiolitis. HFNC is more comfortable for bronchiolitis patients in comparison to NIPPV.

RSV-hRV co-infection is a risk factor for recurrent bronchial obstruction and early sensitization 3 years after bronchiolitis.

To assess risk factors of recurrent bronchial obstruction and allergic sensitization 3 years after an episode of acute bronchiolitis, whether after ambulatory care treatment or hospitalization. A monocentric prospective longitudinal study including infants aged under 1 year with acute bronchiolitis was performed, with clinical (severity score), biological (serum Krebs von den Lungen 6 antigen), and viral (14 virus by naso‐pharyngeal suction detection) assessments. Follow‐up included a quaterly telephone interview, and a final clinical examination at 3 years. Biological markers of atopy were also measured in peripheral blood, including specific IgEs towards aero‐ and food allergens. Complete data were available for 154 children. 46.8% of them had recurrent wheezing (RW). No difference was found according to initial severity, care at home or in the hospital, respiratory virus involved, or existence of co‐infection. A familial history of atopy was identified as a risk factor for recurrent bronchial obstruction (60% for RW infants versus 39%, P = 0.02), as living in an apartment (35% versus 15%, P = 0.002). 18.6% of the infants were sensitized, with 48.1% of them sensitized to aeroallergens and 81.5% to food allergens. Multivariate analysis confirmed that a familial history of atopy (P = 0.02) and initial co‐infection RSV‐hRV (P = 0.02) were correlated with the risk of sensitization to aeroallergens at 3 years. Familial history of atopy and RSV‐hRV co‐infection are risk factors for recurrent bronchial obstruction and sensitization.

Effect of Nebulized Hypertonic Saline Treatment in Emergency Departments on the Hospitalization Rate for Acute Bronchiolitis

Acute bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants. Previous studies, underpowered to examine hospital admission, have found a limited benefit of nebulized hypertonic saline (HS) treatment in the pediatric emergency department (ED). To examine whether HS nebulization treatment would decrease the hospital admission rate among infants with a first episode of acute bronchiolitis. The Efficacy of 3% Hypertonic Saline in Acute Viral Bronchiolitis (GUERANDE) study was a multicenter, double-blind randomized clinical trial on 2 parallel groups conducted during 2 bronchiolitis seasons (October through March) from October 15, 2012, through April 15, 2014, at 24 French pediatric EDs. Among the 2445 infants (6 weeks to 12 months of age) assessed for inclusion, 777 with a first episode of acute bronchiolitis with respiratory distress and no chronic medical condition were included. Two 20-minute nebulization treatments of 4 mL of HS, 3%, or 4 mL of normal saline (NS), 0.9%, given 20 minutes apart. Hospital admission rate in the 24 hours after enrollment. Of the 777 infants included in the study (median age, 3 months; interquartile range, 2-5 months; 468 [60.2%] male), 385 (49.5%) were randomized to the HS group and 387 (49.8%) to the NS group (5 patients did not receive treatment). By 24 hours, 185 of 385 infants (48.1%) in the HS group were admitted compared with 202 of 387 infants (52.2%) in the NS group. The risk difference for hospitalizations was not significant according to the mixed-effects regression model (adjusted risk difference, -3.2%; 95% CI, -8.7% to 2.2%; P = .25). The mean (SD) Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument score improvement was greater in the HS group (-3.1 [3.2]) than in the NS group (-2.4 [3.3]) (adjusted difference, -0.7; 95% CI, -1.2 to -0.2; P = .006) and similarly for the Respiratory Assessment Change Score. Mild adverse events, such as worsening of cough, occurred more frequently among children in the HS group (35 of 392 [8.9%]) than among those in the NS group (15 of 384 [3.9%]) (risk difference, 5.0%; 95% CI, 1.6%-8.4%; P = .005), with no serious adverse events. Nebulized HS treatment did not significantly reduce the rate of hospital admissions among infants with a first episode of acute moderate to severe bronchiolitis who were admitted to the pediatric ED relative to NS, but mild adverse events were more frequent in the HS group. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01777347.

Radiographie de thorax et bronchiolite aiguë : des indications en diminution ?

A management protocol for infants hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis, established after the study conducted in our unit in 2012, recommends a chest X-ray when the clinical course is unusual or if a differential diagnosis is suspected. The goal of this study was to evaluate professional practices after the introduction of this new management protocol. Retrospective descriptive study in two pediatric units from October 2013to March 2015, including infants (0-23months) hospitalized for their first episode of acute bronchiolitis without any underlying chronic condition. Overall, 599infants were included (median age, 3.7months, 54% boys). Nearly six out of ten (n=355, 59.3%) had at least one chest radiograph (38.5% fewer than in 2012). It was abnormal in 96.3% of cases, revealing distension and/or bronchial wall thickening (56.7%), focal opacity (23.5%), or atelectasis (19.5%). An X-ray was performed out of the recommendations in 42.5% of cases. The chest X-ray result led to management changes in 52infantswith prescription of antibiotics for pneumonia (86.5%) and allowed the diagnosis of heart disease in one case (0.2%). Management of acute bronchiolitis (X-ray and antibiotics) was statistically different between the two pediatric units. This protocol led to a significant decrease in the number of chest X-rays. However, many are still performed out of the recommendations, resulting in an increase of antibiotic use for pneumonia. The decrease in use of chest X-rays in acute bronchiolitis for hospitalized infants was significant but remains insufficient.

Hypertonic saline (HS) for acute bronchiolitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundAcute bronchiolitis is the commonest cause of hospitalisation in infancy. Currently management consists of supportive care and oxygen. A Cochrane review concluded that, “nebulised 3 % saline may significantly reduce the length of hospital stay”. We conducted a systematic review of controlled trials of nebulised hypertonic saline (HS) for infants hospitalised with primary acute bronchiolitis.MethodsSearches to January 2015 involved: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Ovid MEDLINE; Embase; Google Scholar; Web of Science; and, a variety of trials registers. We hand searched Chest, Paediatrics and Journal of Paediatrics on 14 January 2015. Reference lists of eligible trial publications were checked. Randomised or quasi-randomised trials which compared HS versus either normal saline (+/− adjunct treatment) or no treatment were included. Eligible studies involved children less than 2 years old hospitalised due to the first episode of acute bronchiolitis. Two reviewers extracted data to calculate mean differences (MD) and 95 % Confidence Intervals (CIs) for length of hospital stay (LoS—primary outcome), Clinical Severity Score (CSS) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs). Meta-analysis was undertaken using a fixed effect model, supplemented with additional sensitivity analyses. We investigated statistical heterogeneity using I2. Risk of bias, within and between studies, was assessed using the Cochrane tool, an outcome reporting bias checklist and a funnel plot.ResultsFifteen trials were included in the systematic review (n = 1922), HS reduced mean LoS by 0.36, (95 % CI 0.50 to 0.22) days, but with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 78 %) and sensitivity to alternative analysis methods. A reduction in CSS was observed where assessed [n = 516; MD −1.36, CI −1.52, −1.20]. One trial reported one possible intervention related SAE, no other studies described intervention related SAEs.ConclusionsThere is disparity between the overall combined effect on LoS as compared with the negative results from the largest and most precise trials. Together with high levels of heterogeneity, this means that neither individual trials nor pooled estimates provide a firm evidence-base for routine use of HS in inpatient acute bronchiolitis.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12890-015-0140-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of montelukast on clinical score and cytokine levels of infants for clinically diagnosed acute bronchiolitis

BackgroundAcute bronchiolitis comprises a major cause for morbidity in infants with viral infection which induces an immune inflammatory response that may produce long lasting harmful effects. Currently, there is no effective therapy for bronchiolitis. ObjectiveOur aim was to investigate the efficacy of five-day montelukast therapy in acute bronchiolitis management. MethodsThe study included 50 infants with acute bronchiolitis. The infants with first episode of acute bronchiolitis were randomly assigned to receive daily montelukast dose of 4mg over five days after admission or no treatment. Plasma eotaxin, IL-4, IL-8 and IFN-gamma levels were evaluated before and after treatment by ELISA method. In the present study, the primary outcome measure was change in clinical severity score, whilst secondary outcome measures were changes in plasma eotaxin, IL-4, IL-8, IFN-gamma levels. ResultsNo significant differences was found in clinical severity score with five-day montelukast treatment (p>0.05, Mann–Whitney U test). There were no significant differences in plasma eotaxin, IL-4, IL-8, IFN-gamma levels between the groups (p>0.05 Mann–Whitney U test). There was significant decrease in plasma IFN-gamma levels following five-day montelukast treatment (p=0.027, Wilcoxon). There were no significant differences in plasma IL-4, IL-8, IFN-gamma levels between the groups after five-day montelukast treatment (p>0.05, Wilcoxon). There was significant increase in eotaxin levels after five-day montelukast treatment (p=0.009, Wilcoxon). ConclusionOur study showed that montelukast affected plasma IFN-gamma and eotaxin levels after five days of treatment. Further studies are needed to demonstrate effects of montelukast on chemokine levels in bronchiolitis.

Factors associated with obesity of acute bronchiolitis in infants: association of obesity with disease severity

Purpose: Both under-nutrition and obesity may be associated with severity of viral infection. We investigated the association of obesity with clinical factors and the severity of acute bronchiolitis in infants. Methods: We reviewed 740 infants younger than 1 year of age who were admitted with the first episode of acute bronchiolitis between 2010 and 2013. Subjects were classified into 3 groups according to the weight-for-length Z-score. Results: Younger age (3.6±2.6 months) was more frequent in the obesity group (P<0.001). Infants aged ≤6 months (90%) dominantly included in the obesity group. Logistic regression showed that age (younger than 3 months) was independently associated with the overweight and obesity groups with acute bronchiolitis in infants (odds ratio [OR], 1.77; P=0.001 for overweight; OR, 4.67; P<0.001 for obesity). Moreover, the obesity group was associated with an increased risk of chest retraction, hypoxia, respiratory syncytial virus detection, length of stay (more than 5 days), and need for oxygen supplement. These factors tended to increase from the overweight group toward the obesity group. Conclusion: Younger than 3 months of age was a risk factor for developing worse clinical course in overweight and obesity groups with acute bronchiolitis in infants. Careful attention should be paid to the clinical course of younger obese infants with acute bronchiolitis. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2015;3:281-287)

Treatment options of acute viral bronchiolitis in two Iraqi pediatric hospitals with a recent montelukast treatment option.

Bronchiolitis is a virally induced acute bronchiolar inflammation. It is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in infants with ages less than 1 year.The most common virus responsible for bronchiolitis is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The mainstay of management is oxygen and fluid administration. Pharmacological interventions including corticosteroids and bronchodilators have not been shown to improve outcome.Is to evaluate the effect of montelukast and to verify the efficacy of bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs among infants presenting with acute viral bronchiolitis in two Iraqi pediatric hospitals.This was a randomized, prospective study in two Iraqi pediatric hospitals. Sixty infants with age range (2-24months) with a first episode of acute bronchiolitis were randomlydivided into four treatment groups: oxygen plus intravenous fluid, montelukast pediatric chewable tablet, salbutamol given in combination as oral plus nebulized salbutamol, and dexamethasone IV injection. Control infants with non respiratory diseases were also studied for comparisons. The measured outcomes included: respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen blood saturation, and times to resolution of illness, duration of oxygen &amp; intravenous fluid therapy,and length of hospital stay. These parameters were measured for each infants from hospital admission untildischarge.All groups were comparable at baseline. There are significant improvements in the respiratory rate, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation and rapid resolution of illnesses in the patients group that received oxygen plus IV fluid &amp;the patients group that received montelukast tablet compared to other treatment options.Length of hospital stays was shorter in these two treatment options compared to other treatment options.The results observed effect of montelukast &amp; oxygen plus intravenous fluid on the measured parameters compared to other treatments options in these two hospitals.

La radiographie de thorax chez le nourrisson hospitalisé pour bronchiolite aiguë : réelle information ou simple irradiation ?

To describe the chest radiographs of infants hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis and to assess whether patient management changed after radiography. All infants hospitalized in our pediatric unit with a first episode of acute bronchiolitis from October 2010 to March 2012 were included in the study. Infants with chronic disease or transferred from a pediatric intensive care unit were excluded. The following data were collected: sex, age, neonatal history, atopy, tobacco exposure, admission criteria, treatment, laboratory parameters, ultrasonography and its outcome, results of chest radiography on admittance, the reason for a second chest radiograph, change in management as a result of the radiograph. The study comprised 232 infants (median age 2.2 months, boys 56%, positive respiratory syncytial virus 73.4%). Among them, 227 children had a routine chest radiograph revealing distension and/or bronchial wall thickening (n=141, 62.4%), focal opacity (19.9%), or atelectasis (17.7%). This radiograph led to the prescription of antibiotics in six patients (2.6%) and allowed the diagnosis of vascular abnormality to be made in one case (0.4%). Thirty-five patients (15.4%) had a second chest radiograph during their hospitalization owing to oxygen dependency (n=21), respiratory distress (n=11), persistent fever (n=2), or no reason specified (n=1). Pneumonia (n=7) and/or atelectasis (n=15) were then found in 62.9%. Patient management (antibiotics, postural maneuvers) was modified in six patients (17.1%). Routine chest radiographs contribute only partially to the treatment of infants hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis. However, radiography is useful when the hospitalized child does not improve at the expected rate or if the disease is severe. The indication of chest radiography in infants hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis should be discussed on a case by a case basis.

Effectiveness of Chest Physiotherapy in Infants Hospitalized with Acute Bronchiolitis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Acute bronchiolitis treatment in children and infants is largely supportive, but chest physiotherapy is routinely performed in some countries. In France, national guidelines recommend a specific type of physiotherapy combining the increased exhalation technique (IET) and assisted cough (AC). Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of chest physiotherapy (IET + AC) in previously healthy infants hospitalized for a first episode of acute bronchiolitis. We conducted a multicenter, randomized, outcome assessor-blind and parent-blind trial in seven French pediatric departments. We recruited 496 infants hospitalized for first-episode acute bronchiolitis between October 2004 and January 2008. Patients were randomly allocated to receive from physiotherapists three times a day, either IET + AC (intervention group, n=246) or nasal suction (NS, control group, n=250). Only physiotherapists were aware of the allocation group of the infant. The primary outcome was time to recovery, defined as 8 hours without oxygen supplementation associated with minimal or no chest recession, and ingesting more than two-thirds of daily food requirements. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit admissions, artificial ventilation, antibiotic treatment, description of side effects during procedures, and parental perception of comfort. Statistical analysis was performed on an intent-to-treat basis. Median time to recovery was 2.31 days, (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.97-2.73) for the control group and 2.02 days (95% CI 1.96-2.34) for the intervention group, indicating no significant effect of physiotherapy (hazard ratio [HR]=1.09, 95% CI 0.91-1.31, p=0.33). No treatment by age interaction was found (p=0.97). Frequency of vomiting and transient respiratory destabilization was higher in the IET + AC group during the procedure (relative risk [RR]=10.2, 95% CI 1.3-78.8, p=0.005 and RR=5.4, 95% CI 1.6-18.4, p=0.002, respectively). No difference between groups in bradycardia with or without desaturation (RR=1.0, 95% CI 0.2-5.0, p=1.00 and RR=3.6, 95% CI 0.7-16.9, p=0.10, respectively) was found during the procedure. Parents reported that the procedure was more arduous in the group treated with IET (mean difference=0.88, 95% CI 0.33-1.44, p=0.002), whereas there was no difference regarding the assessment of the child's comfort between both groups (mean difference=-0.07, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.38, p=0.40). No evidence of differences between groups in intensive care admission (RR=0.7, 95% CI 0.3-1.8, p=0.62), ventilatory support (RR=2.5, 95% CI 0.5-13.0, p=0.29), and antibiotic treatment (RR=1.0, 95% CI 0.7-1.3, p=1.00) was observed. IET + AC had no significant effect on time to recovery in this group of hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis. Additional studies are required to explore the effect of chest physiotherapy on ambulatory populations and for infants without a history of atopy. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00125450.

Conferencia de Consenso sobre bronquiolitis aguda (V): prevención de la bronquiolitis aguda. Revisión de la evidencia científica

A review of the evidence on prevention of acute bronchiolitis is presented. Acute bronchiolitis prevention arises from three basic approaches: preventive treatment to reduce recurrent wheezing following an episode of acute bronchiolitis, preventive treatment to reduce the frequency and severity of RSV bronchiolitis in the population at risk (prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital heart disease, etc.), and general preventive measures to reduce nosocomial infection with RSV. There is sufficient evidence on the lack of efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids and montelukast. Intravenous RSV immunoglobulin has an unfavorable risk-benefit balance, particularly with the availability of monoclonal antibodies. Palivizumab is effective as preventive treatment of RSV infection in risk populations (high risk preterm infants and hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease), but not in the frequency and severity (ICU admission, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality) of the acute bronchiolitis. The benefits of palivizumab (less admissions) seem to be worth the adverse effects, but we do not know the cost–benefit ratio. The control and prevention measures of nosocomial transmission of RSV infection (isolation, hand washing, use of mask, gloves, cap and shoes) are based on indirect evidence.

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial of Montelukast for Acute Bronchiolitis

Cysteinyl leukotrienes are implicated in the inflammation of bronchiolitis. Recently, a specific cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, montelukast (Singulair [MSD, Haarlem, Netherlands]), has been approved for infants in granule sachets. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of montelukast on clinical progress and on cytokines in acute bronchiolitis. This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study in 2 medical centers. Fifty-three infants (mean age: 3.8+/-3.5 months) with a first episode of acute bronchiolitis were randomly assigned to receive either 4-mg montelukast sachets or placebo, every day, from hospital admission until discharge. The primary outcome was length of stay, and secondary outcomes included clinical severity score (maximum of 12) and changes in type 1 and 2 cytokine levels (including interleukin4/IFN-gamma ratio as a surrogate for the T-helper 2/T-helper 1 ratio) in nasal lavage. Both groups were comparable at baseline, and cytokine levels correlated positively with disease severity. There were neither differences in length of stay (4.63+/-1.88 [placebo group] vs 4.65+/-1.97 days [montelukast group]) nor in clinical severity score and cytokine levels between the 2 groups. No differences in interleukin 4/IFN-gamma ratio between the 2 groups were seen. There was a slight tendency for infants in the montelukast group to recover more slowly than those in the placebo group (clinical severity score at discharge: 6.1+/-2.4 vs 4.8+/-2.2, respectively). Montelukast did not improve the clinical course in acute bronchiolitis. No significant effect of montelukast on the T-helper 2/T-helper 1 cytokine ratio when given in the early acute phase could be demonstrated.

Use of Doppler ultrasonography in the assessment of bronchodilator response in acute bronchiolitis

Measurement of the response of acute bronchiolitis (AB) to bronchodilators relies on clinical signs and pulse oximetry. We hypothesized that Doppler ultrasonographic indices of hepatic venous flow may prove to be an objective tool in the assessment of the effect of inhaled salbutamol in infants hospitalized for AB. Previously healthy infants hospitalized for their first episode of AB were prospectively studied. Composite clinical score (CCS, retractions plus wheezing/crackles) and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) were measured before, and 15-min post-salbutamol nebulization (0.15 mg/kg, minimum 1.5 mg). Peak velocities at the middle hepatic vein (PV-HV) and right renal vein (PV-RV), as well as peripheral-to-middle hepatic vein transit time (TT) of an ultrasound contrast agent were also measured by Doppler ultrasonography pre- and post-nebulization. Nineteen infants were studied. Mean CCS decreased by 0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08-0.66, P = 0.015) and mean SaO(2) increased by 0.68% (95%CI: 0.17-1.19, P = 0.01) post-bronchodilator treatment. Mean TT increased by 9.54 sec (95%CI: 5.95-13.13, P < 0.0001) and PV-HV increased by 16.49 cm/sec (95%CI: 9.07-23.91, P = 0.0002); PV-RV did not change. TT (r = 0.51, P = 0.009), but not PV-HV, correlated negatively with CCS. There was a strong positive correlation between pre- and post-salbutamol TT values (r = 0.92, P < 0.0001). The most likely explanation for these findings is post-salbutamol abolishment of shunting at the pulmonary capillary bed. We conclude that the peripheral-to-middle hepatic vein prolongation of TT measured by Doppler ultrasonography after salbutamol administration in infants with AB can be used as a bedside tool in the objective assessment of clinical response to medication in these patients.

Prise en charge de la bronchiolite aiguë du nourrisson par les médecins libéraux du réseau bronchiolite Île-de-France pendant l'hiver 2003–2004

Objective The Île-de-France bronchiolitis network assessment gave us the opportunity to carry out a survey regarding the customary handling of acute bronchiolitis by physicians involved in this network. The aim of this study was to retrieve results relating to season 2003–2004 and to compare them with the September 2000 French consensus conference recommendations. Methods The practitioners engaged using a special form subsequently transmitted to network joint committee collected the clinical and therapeutic data of the patients included in the Network. We analysed 342 exploitable forms. Results Analysis of the physicians medications for patients classified as bronchiolitis showed that their behavior was on the whole keeping with the official recommendations. The nearly systematic prescription of specific respiratory physiotherapy (increase in expiratory flow) satisfies the expectations of the French consensus conference. Likewise, treatments such as bronchodilator or corticoids that are not recommended were prescribed only in approximately 1/4 of cases. Abstention from all medical treatment was found in only 41% of cases classified as bronchiolitis. However, in considering only the first episode of acute bronchiolitis, this rate increased to 54,3%. Short-acting bronchodilator usage may appear legitimate as a therapeutic test of reversibility. In our study, 1/3 of patients with bronchiolitis treated by bronchodilator underwent a second episode and 80% of them were older than 6 months. Conclusion Analysis of the practices of physicians participating in the Bronchiolite Île-de-France Network proves very positive in light of the comparison with studies prior and subsequent to the consensus conference. In recognition of this, it is necessary to consider the importance of the network's training programs. Beyond the need to go on with the diffusion of the recommendations, it seems desirable to extend them to clinical situations not yet considered, especially recurrent bronchiolitis and infant asthma. Finally, this type of study should be repeated in order to measure the future evolution of medical practices, as well as extended to a larger scope than the Île-de-France bronchiolitis Network.

Virus respiratoire syncytial et allergie : cause ou conséquence ?

The relationship of cause and effect between infection due to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus and allergy is a topic for discussion. Animal models favour a strong relationship between RSV and allergy, by demonstrating that there exists a TH2 predominant lymphocytic profile which is accommpanied by the recruitment of eosinophils in the respiratory tract and the production of IgE specific anti-RSV. However, in infants the evidence is more complex. There are arguments for a reduction of interferon gamma secretion by monocytes which correlates with the severity of respiratory symptoms. This decrease has been demonstrated in the bronchial secretions of those infants at high risk of developing atopic disease. Studies on TH2 cytokines are more contradictory. An elevation of IL-10 bas been reported in infants who remain symptommatic after an episode of acute bronchiolitis. However, no significant variaton of IL-4 of IL-13 bas been demonstrated. The majority of clinical medium-tem studies do not show any correlation between atopy and early RSV respiratory infection. The presence of eosinophils in the blood or respiratory tract is infrequently associated with RSV-bronchiolitis and recently the evidence for IgE anti-RSV has been questioned. In depth analysis tends to support the hypothesis that the Th2 immunological profile (the physiological profile in newborns) could play a role in enhancing the severity of RSV infection either because there, is an excess of TH2 activity (a marker for atopic predisposition) or a deficit of Th1 activity combined with a subsequent reduction of the protective properties of interferon gamma.

Clinical course of postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans.

We performed a prospective observational study to define the clinical course and the prognostic factors of 31 patients with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans. All patients presented with an episode of acute bronchiolitis in the first 2 years of life, and respiratory symptoms and signs persisted since then. Other diseases which may cause chronic airflow obstruction were excluded. The patients were followed after their inclusion in the study and the clinical findings were recorded in a standardized questionnaire and form. Repeated chest radiographs and lung perfusion scans were obtained in all 31 patients and semiannual spirometry was performed in 8 older patients. Eight patients had lung biopsies. The clinical course varied in the 31 patients during a mean of 3.5 years of follow-up. The outcome of the patients included clinical remission (22.6%), persistence of respiratory symptoms and signs (67.7%), and death (9.7%). An older age at onset of illness and presence of atopy as suggested by an elevated serum IgE appeared to predispose to a poor prognosis.