Hospital Admission In Infants Research Articles

Maternal mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy and Delta or Omicron Infection or Hospital Admission in Infants: Test Negative Design Study

(BMJ. 2023;380:e074035) Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) rates are higher in infants than in older children. Passive immunity has been shown to help prevent other infections, such as pertussis, in infants through the transfer of maternal antibodies following vaccination during pregnancy. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are found to be present in breastmilk, umbilical cord blood, and infant serum specimens following maternal vaccination during pregnancy and infection, and emerging research suggests maternal COVID-19 vaccination reduces infant infection and hospital admission rates. This study aimed to determine whether maternal vaccination during pregnancy with 2 primary doses or 2 primary doses plus booster of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series reduces the infection of omicron and delta SARS-CoV-2 and hospital admission of infants within 6 months following delivery.

Nationwide Analysis of the Outcomes and Mortality of Hospitalized Infants with Concomitant Diagnosis of COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) generally causes milder illness in the pediatric population. However, infants represent a higher-risk population with evolving symptomatology and severity. There is a paucity of large population-based data on the impact of COVID-19 on hospitalized infants. In this large cohort study, the National Inpatient Sample database was queried for all infant hospital admissions between January and December 2020 in the United States, with and without a diagnosis of COVID-19 based on ICD-10-CM U07. The mortality and morbidity of infants with and without COVID-19 were evaluated. Parent-reported race and outcomes were also analyzed. A weighted total of 3,754,236 infants who were hospitalized were identified, of which 4,265 patients (0.11%) had a concomitant diagnosis of COVID-19. Infants with COVID-19 had similar mortality and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation utilization. Infants with concomitant COVID-19 had a higher rate of respiratory failure, congestive heart failure, acute kidney injury, and coagulopathy. Compared with Caucasian infants and Asian infants, Hispanic and African American infants were more likely to have COVID-19 hospital admissions than hospitalizations without COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with lower median household income represented the majority of the COVID-19 hospitalization. The infants with COVID-19 were more likely to have Medicaid or Medicare insurance and less likely to have private insurance. In this large cohort of hospitalized infants with COVID-19, the infection was associated with complications, including respiratory failure and endotracheal intubations but not associated with a higher risk for mortality. Infants from racial minorities and lower socioeconomic strata carry the highest burden of COVID-19 infection. · Infants with COVID-19 represent a higher-risk group with evolving symptomatology and severity.. · Infants with COVID-19 had similar mortality rates and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation utilization as those without COVID-19.. · Racial minorities and lower socioeconomic strata carry the highest burden of COVID-19 infection..

Maternal mRNA covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy and delta or omicron infection or hospital admission in infants: test negative design study

ObjectiveTo estimate the effectiveness of maternal mRNA covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy against delta and omicron severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and hospital admission in infants.DesignTest negative design study.SettingCommunity...

Predictors of Mother and Infant Emergency Department Attendance and Admission: A Prospective Observational Study

ObjectiveTo explore the predictors of emergency department attendance and admission for mothers and their infants.MethodsSelf-reported emergency department (ED) attendance and admission, sociodemographic, mental health, and other measures were recorded at baseline and at 12 months at 4 sites in England between May 2017 and March 2020.ResultsInfants’ gestational age (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88, p = 0.001), mothers’ mental health (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.30 to 4.41, p = 0.005) and mothers’ attendance at ED (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.13 to 4.84, p = 0.022) predicted infant ED attendance. Frequency of attendance was predicted by ED site (IRR 0.46, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.73, p = 0.001) and mothers’ age (IRR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.00, p = 0.028). Infant hospital admissions were predominantly for respiratory (40%) and other infectious diseases (21%) and were predicted by previous health problems (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.76 to 6.01, p < 0.001).Mothers’ ED attendance was predicted by mixed or multiple ethnic origin (OR 9.62, 95% CI 2.19 to 42.27, p = 0.003), having a male infant (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.20, p = 0.042), and previous hospitalisation (OR 4.15, 95% CI 1.81 to 9.56, p = 0.001). Hospital admission was largely for reproductive health issues (61%) with frequency predicted by having attended the ED at least once (IRR 3.39, 95% CI 1.66 to 6.93, p = 0.001), and being anxious or depressed (IRR 3.10, 95% CI 1.14 to 8.45, p = 0.027).Conclusions for PracticeImproving the reproductive and mental health of mothers may help to avoid poor maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce emergency service utilisation and hospitalisation.

Predictors of Intensive Care Admission in Hypoxemic Bronchiolitis Infants, Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial

To evaluate in a preplanned secondary analysis of our parent randomized controlled trial predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission in infants with bronchiolitis and analyze if these predictors are equally robust for children receiving high-flow or standard-oxygen. A secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized trial of infants aged <12months with bronchiolitis and an oxygen requirement was performed using admission and outcome data of all 1472 enrolled infants. The primary outcome was ICU admission. The predictors evaluated were baseline characteristics including physiological data and medical history. Of the 1472 enrolled infants, 146 were admitted to intensive care. Multivariate predictors of ICU admission were age (weeks) (OR: 0.98 [95% CI: 0.96-0.99]), pre-enrolment heart rate >160/min (OR: 1.80 [95% CI: 1.23-2.63]), pre-enrolment SpO2 (transcutaneous oxygen saturation) (%) (OR: 0.91 [95% CI: 0.86-0.95]), previous ICU admission (OR: 2.16 [95% CI: 1.07-4.40]), and time of onset of illness to hospital presentation (OR: 0.78 [95% CI: 0.65-0.94]). The predictors were equally robust for infants on high-flow nasal cannula therapy or standard-oxygen therapy. Age <2months, pre-enrolment heart rate >160/min, pre-enrolment SpO2 of <87%, previous ICU admission and time of onset of ≤2days to presentation are predictive of an ICU admission during the current hospital admission of infants with bronchiolitis independent of oxygenation method used. ACTRN12613000388718.

85 Mental health service utilization and cost amongst parents post NICU discharge: A descriptive analysis

Abstract Background While mental health disorders are common in the postpartum period, the mental health of parents of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may be further compromised. Previous research demonstrates that up to 40% of NICU parents exhibit elevated levels of depression and anxiety, and endorse trauma symptoms shortly after their baby’s birth. Objectives To describe the parental and infant characteristics and costs associated with MHS use in parents of infants recently discharged from seven Canadian level III NICUs. Design/Methods The study was nested in an ongoing clinical trial of parents of high-risk infants across seven Canadian level III NICUs. Parent and infant characteristics were obtained at enrollment and summarized. Information pertaining to MHS use was obtained from the Resource Use Questionnaire administered to parents at 4 months post-enrollment (RUQ-4m). A pricing table allocating standard costs for services was created to estimate MHS costs for the services reported across the follow-up interval. Results A total of n=213 families completed the RUQ-4m. Of these, 33 individual parents (8%; n=25 female, n=8 male) across 28 families (13%) used MHS following infant discharge from the NICU. Therapy, including psychotherapy and social work, was the most utilized service (46%), followed by psychology (24%) and psychiatry (12%). Using the pricing table to estimate costs, an average of $541 per month was spent on MHS per family. Of these costs, 34% were paid directly by a government program, while 31% were paid at least in part out-of-pocket. Three-quarters (72%) of MHS users were born in Canada compared to 47% of non-users, 72% were on a leave from work compared to 59% of non-users, and 79% were first-time parents compared to 62% of non-users. The average length of hospital admission for infants of MHS users was 100 days compared to 143 days for non-MHS users. Finally, 20% of MHS users reported past or current depression compared to 8% of non-users. Conclusion We found that just over one-tenth of families used MHS post-discharge, that those who used MHS primarily used therapy, and that mental health services cost an estimated $540 per family per month. This is the first pan-Canadian study to describe MHS utilization and cost amongst parents post-NICU discharge. Given the high rates of mental health conditions in this population, the rates of MHS use reported were lower than expected. This preliminary data may represent those who were able to access care, rather than all participants who may have required MHS.

Neonatal and Maternal Risk Factors for Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia: A Cross-Sectional Study from Bahrain.

Results Out of 555 records, 404 neonates were included. Among those, 209 (51%) were males and 275 (68.1%) were Bahraini. The median indirect bilirubin level at presentation was 218 (interquartile range, 174-270) μmol/L. ABO incompatibility was the commonest risk factor for neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia (n = 152, 37.6%) followed by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (n = 130/400, 32.5%). Age (>25 years) was the commonest maternal risk factor (n = 331, 81.9%) followed by cesarean delivery (n = 137, 33.9%). Neonates with ABO incompatibility had a significantly higher mean indirect bilirubin level compared to those with other risk factors (234.9 ± 68.5 versus 225 ± 82.2 mmol/L, respectively) (P = 0.04). Phototherapy use significantly increased along with the rise of bilirubin level (P < 0.0001). Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and exchange transfusion were used in 44 (10.9%) and 14 (3.5%) patients, respectively. Neonates who received IVIG had significantly higher bilirubin levels than those who did not (P = 0.005). Male newborns (P = 0.008), Bahrainis (P = 0.001), those with reticulocytosis (P = 0.001), and those who received IVIG (P = 0.001) were more prone to have associated risk factors. Conclusion ABO incompatibility, G6PD deficiency, and older maternal age were the commonest neonatal and maternal risk factors for developing neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Bahraini, male newborns, reticulocytosis, and IVIG use were associated with these factors. Early detection of such factors through screening can aid in immediate management to prevent serious complications of this common condition.

Decreased Passive Immunity to Respiratory Viruses through Human Milk during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACTInfants may develop severe viral respiratory tract infections because their immune system is still developing in the first months after birth. Human milk provides passive humoral immunity during the first months of life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, circulation of common respiratory viruses was virtually absent due to the preventative measures resulting in reduced maternal exposure. Therefore, we hypothesized that this might result in lower antibody levels in human milk during the pandemic and, subsequently, decreased protection of infants against viral respiratory tract infections. We assessed antibody levels against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Influenza virus, and several seasonal coronaviruses in different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic in serum and human milk using a Luminex assay. IgG levels against RSV, Influenza, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-NL63 in human milk were reduced with a factor of 1.7 (P < 0.001), 2.2 (P < 0.01), 2.6 (P < 0.05), 1.4 (P < 0.01), and 2.1 (P < 0.001), respectively, since the introduction of the COVID-19 restrictions. Furthermore, we observed that human milk of mothers that experienced COVID-19 contained increased levels of IgG and IgA binding to other respiratory viruses. Passive immunity via human milk against common respiratory viruses was reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have consequences for the protection of breastfed infants against respiratory infections.IMPORTANCE Passive immunity derived from antibodies in human milk is important for protecting young infants against invading viruses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, circulation of common respiratory viruses was virtually absent due to preventative measures. In this study, we observed a decrease in human milk antibody levels against common respiratory viruses several months into the COVID-19 pandemic. This waning of antibody levels might partially explain the previously observed surge of hospitalizations of infants, mostly due to RSV, when preventative hygiene measures were lifted. Knowledge of the association between preventative measures, antibody levels in human milk and subsequent passive immunity in infants might help predict infant hospital admissions and thereby enables anticipation to prevent capacity issues. Additionally, it is important in the consideration for strategies for future lockdowns to best prevent possible consequences for vulnerable infants.

Top Five Indications of Hospital Admission of Infants

Background : Infants are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. So, it is necessary for clinicians to properly place judgement on if an infant requires hospital admission. However, there is a lack of data on which diseases frequently need hospitalization in infancy. Hence the aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of infants requiring admissions to healthcare facilities.&#x0D; Materials and methods : This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the outpatient department of a tertiary level hospital. Hundred infants between 1 month to 12 months of age, who were advised for hospitalization following a provisional diagnosis by an expert clinician were enrolled as study subjects. Their details were obtained from caregivers during their visit and the results were analyzed manually.&#x0D; Results : The mean age of infants was 5.4±3.7 months with 2-month-old being the most common age group. The male: female ratio was 1.6:1 while the ratio forurban vs rural settings was 2.2:1. The most common religion was Islam (87%) followed by Hinduism (12%) and then Buddhism (1%). The most common diagnosis of study subjects in descending order of frequency were acute respiratory infection (46%) acute watery diarrhea (34%) burn and scald injury (13%) congenital disorders (10%) and late onset neonatal sepsis (8%).&#x0D; Conclusion : Most common indicators requiring hospital admissions among infants are acute respiratory infection, acute watery diarrhea, burn and scald injury, congenital disorders and late onset neonatal sepsis. Further study needs to be done to look for seasonal variation and variation between neonates and other under-5 age group children.&#x0D; Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.21 (1); January 2022; Page 3-6

Remote, real-time expert elicitation to determine the prior probability distribution for Bayesian sample size determination in international randomised controlled trials: Bronchiolitis in Infants Placebo Versus Epinephrine and Dexamethasone (BIPED) study

BackgroundBayesian methods are increasing in popularity in clinical research. The design of Bayesian clinical trials requires a prior distribution, which can be elicited from experts. In diseases with international differences in management, the elicitation exercise should recruit internationally, making a face-to-face elicitation session expensive and more logistically challenging. Thus, we used a remote, real-time elicitation exercise to construct prior distributions. These elicited distributions were then used to determine the sample size of the Bronchiolitis in Infants with Placebo Versus Epinephrine and Dexamethasone (BIPED) study, an international randomised controlled trial in the Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN). The BIPED study aims to determine whether the combination of epinephrine and dexamethasone, compared to placebo, is effective in reducing hospital admission for infants presenting with bronchiolitis to the emergency department.MethodsWe developed a Web-based tool to support the elicitation of the probability of hospitalisation for infants with bronchiolitis. Experts participated in online workshops to specify their individual prior distributions, which were aggregated using the equal-weighted linear pooling method. Experts were then invited to provide their comments on the aggregated distribution. The average length criterion determined the BIPED sample size.ResultsFifteen paediatric emergency medicine clinicians from Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand participated in three workshops to provide their elicited prior distributions. The mean elicited probability of admission for infants with bronchiolitis was slightly lower for those receiving epinephrine and dexamethasone compared to supportive care in the aggregate distribution. There were substantial differences in the individual beliefs but limited differences between North America and Australasia. From this aggregate distribution, a sample size of 410 patients per arm results in an average 95% credible interval length of less than 9% and a relative predictive power of 90%.ConclusionRemote, real-time expert elicitation is a feasible, useful and practical tool to determine a prior distribution for international randomised controlled trials. Bayesian methods can then determine the trial sample size using these elicited prior distributions. The ease and low cost of remote expert elicitation mean that this approach is suitable for future international randomised controlled trials.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT03567473

Discharge Planning for Children With Critical Bronchiolitis.

Discharge Planning for Children With Critical Bronchiolitis.

Hospital admissions in infants with Down syndrome: a record-linked population-based cohort study in Wales.

BackgroundDespite recent advances, mortality in children with Down syndrome remains five times higher than in the general population. This study aims to describe the burden, patterns and causes of hospital admissions in infants with Down syndrome, and compare this with infants without Down syndrome in a population‐based cohort.MethodsThis study used data from the Wales Electronic Cohort for Children, a cohort of all children born in Wales between 1990 and 2012. The cohort was generated from routine administrative data, linked to create an anonymised data set within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage databank. This analysis is based on all infants born between January 2003 and January 2012 who were followed to their first birthday, a move out of Wales, death, or until 31 October 2012 (end of follow‐up). Infants with Down syndrome were identified using the Congenital Anomaly Register and Information Service in Wales. Multivariable Cox regression was used to compare the time to first hospital admission. Admission codes were used to identify the commonest indications for hospitalisation and to determine the presence of other congenital anomalies.ResultsWe included 324 060 children, 356 of whom had Down syndrome. Of infants with Down syndrome, 80.3% had at least one hospital inpatient admission during the first year of life, compared with 32.9% of infants without Down syndrome. These first admissions were earlier [median of 6 days interquartile range (IQR) (3, 72) compared with 45 days [IQR 6, 166)] and longer [median of 4 days (IQR 1, 15) compared with 1 day (IQR 0, 3)] than in infants without Down syndrome. The most common causes of admissions were congenital abnormalities, respiratory diseases, conditions originating in the perinatal period and infectious diseases. The presence of other congenital abnormalities increased hospitalisations in all infants, but more so in infants with Down syndrome who spent a median of 21 days in hospital (IQR 11, 47) during their first year of life.ConclusionInfants with Down syndrome are at high risk for early, more frequent and longer hospital admissions. Congenital heart disease and respiratory infections remain a major burden in this population. More research is needed to understand how to better manage these conditions particularly in the first month of life when most admissions occur.

Role of age and birth month in infants hospitalized with RSV-confirmed disease in the Valencia Region, Spain.

BackgroundRSV is the leading cause of hospital admissions in infants and the principal cause of bronchiolitis in young children. There is a lack of granular data on RSV‐associated hospitalization per season using laboratory confirmed results. Our current study addresses this issue and intends to fill this gap.MethodsThe study was conducted from 2014 through 2018, in 4 to 10 hospitals in the Valencia Region, Spain. Infants included in this study were admitted in hospital through the Emergency Department with a respiratory complaint and tested by RT‐PCR for RSV in a central laboratory.ResultsIncidence rates of RSV‐associated hospitalization varied by season and hospital. Overall, the highest incidence rates were observed in 2017/2018. RSV‐associated hospitalization was highest in infants below 3 months of age and in those born before or at the beginning of the RSV season. Almost 54% of total infants hospitalized with laboratory confirmed RSV were found to be born outside the season, from April to October. The RSV positivity rate by ICD‐10 discharged codes varied by season and age with results from 48% to 57% among LRI (J09‐J22).ConclusionThe study was instrumental in bringing forth the time unpredictability of RSV epidemics, the critical impact of age, and the comparable distribution of RSV‐associated hospitalization in infants born on either side of the RSV season. These data could help in better characterization of the population that drives the healthcare burden and is crucial for the development of future immunization strategies, especially with upcoming vaccines in against RSV.

Early Use of Bronchodilators and Outcomes in Bronchiolitis.

There are no effective interventions to prevent hospital admissions in infants with bronchiolitis. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against routine bronchodilator use for bronchiolitis. The objective of this study was to characterize trends in and outcomes associated with the use of bronchodilators for bronchiolitis. This is a multicenter retrospective study of infants <12 months of age with bronchiolitis from 49 children's hospitals from 2010 to 2018. The primary outcomes were rates of hospital admissions, ICU admissions, emergency department (ED) return visits after initial ED discharge, noninvasive ventilation, and invasive ventilation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the rates of outcomes among hospitals with high and low early use of bronchodilators (on day of presentation). A total of 446 696 ED visits of infants with bronchiolitis were included. Bronchodilator use, hospital admissions, and ED return visits decreased between 2010 and 2018 (all P < .001). ICU admissions and invasive and noninvasive ventilation increased over the study period (all P < .001). Hospital-level early bronchodilator use (hospitals with high versus low use) was not associated with differences in patient-level hospital admissions, ICU admissions, ED return visits, noninvasive ventilation, or invasive ventilation (all P > .05). In a large study of infants at children's hospitals, bronchodilator therapy decreased significantly from 2010 to 2018. Hospital-level early bronchodilator use was not associated with a reduction in any outcomes. This study supports the current American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation to limit routine use of bronchodilators in infants with bronchiolitis.

Antimicrobial Prescribing during Infant Hospital Admissions in a Birth Cohort in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Empirical antimicrobial use is common in hospitalized infants and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries. In this observational birth cohort study nested in a randomized controlled trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh, inpatient antimicrobial prescription data were extracted from serious adverse event forms completed for hospitalizations of infants (0–12 months of age). The primary outcome was the proportion of inpatient admissions where systemic antimicrobials were prescribed. Infant and hospitalization-related factors associated with antimicrobial prescriptions were determined. Among 1254 infants, there were 448 admissions to 32 facilities from 2014 to 2016. Antimicrobials were prescribed in 73% of admissions with a mean antimicrobial exposure rate of 0.25 antimicrobials per day of admission [95% confidence intervals (95% CIs): 0.24–0.27]. The most common antibiotics were aminoglycosides (29%), penicillins (26%) and third-generation cephalosporins (25%). In all, 58% of antibiotics were classified as ‘access’, 38% ‘watch’ and 1% ‘reserve’ using the World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Medicines List classification. WHO-recommended antimicrobial regimens were used in 68% of neonatal sepsis and 9% of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) admissions. ‘Watch’ antimicrobials were used in 26% of neonatal sepsis and 76% of LRTI admissions. Compared with private facilities, antimicrobial prescription rates were lower at government [rate ratio (RR) 0.71; 95% CI: 0.61–0.83] and charitable facilities (RR 0.39; 95% CI: 0.28–0.53), after adjustment for household wealth index and parental education. Younger infant age, older maternal age and longer admission were associated with higher prescription rates. These findings highlight the need for paediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs in Bangladesh.

Rates and risk factors of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection in 2008-2016 compared with 1986-1998.

Since the introduction in 1979 of rapid testing using immunofluorescence, we have collected information about children hospitalised for confirmed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the northern Stockholm area. We here report hospitalisation rates, risk factors and complications in 2008-2016 compared with 1986-1998. Microbiological laboratory reports and retrospective chart review. Comparison of the two periods was complicated by changing testing routines, with a more sensitive method and increased testing of older children in the late period. In infants, there was an 12.3% increase in the population-based rate of hospital admission for RSV infection from 12.2 to 13.7/1000. Including all children <5years, there was a 48% increase from 2.7 to 4.0/1000. The median length of stay remained unchanged at 3days. The need of intensive care decreased in healthy infants but remained high in older children with comorbidity. Considering the changed diagnosis routines, we believe that the rate of hospital admission of infants for RSV infection was unchanged throughout the observed years. The increased rates of older children with confirmed RSV likely resulted from increased testing of children with risk factors for a complicated course.

Evaluation of Role of Ambroxol in Treatment of Bronchiolitis

Background: Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for hospital admission in infants, accounting for 20% of hospitalization at < 1 year of age. The recently discovered human meta pneumo-virus and other viruses like adenovirus, parainfluenza virus type-3, influenza virus and rhinovirus also cause bronchiolitis that is indistinguishable from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. It is more common in males, those who are not breast fed and living in crowded conditions. Objective: The aim of the work was to assess role of Ambroxol inhalation in treatment of Bronchiolitis. Patients and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial included a total of included 40 children with bronchiolitis, attending at Department of Pediatrics, Sohag General Hospital. They were randomly divided into two groups, the control group consisted of 20 cases who were given bronchodilators, inhaled or systemic steroids, antibiotics if needed, or supportive measures and oxygen supplementation if needed. The intervention group consisted of 20 cases who were treated with Ambroxol inhalation in addition to supportive measures mentioned above. Results: There was insignificant differences between two groups regarding the need of oxygen and duration of oxygen therapy (p-value 0.337, 0.536 respectively). In the current study, we found that there was insignificant differences between two groups regarding degree of RD on admission but after treatment there was significant improvement in interventional group with p-value <0.001. In the current study, we found that there was significant difference between two groups regarding length of hospital stay as in interventional group was lower than control (p-value 0.002). Conclusion: It could be concluded that Ambroxol gives a good improvement in cases with bronchiolitis and decreases hospital stay. Furthermore, Ambroxol is safe, cheap and easy to administer.

Evaluation of Role of Ambroxol in Treatment of Bronchiolitis

Background: Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for hospital admission in infants, accounting for 20% of hospitalization at < 1 year of age. The recently discovered human meta pneumo-virus and other viruses like adenovirus, parainfluenza virus type-3, influenza virus and rhinovirus also cause bronchiolitis that is indistinguishable from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. It is more common in males, those who are not breast fed and living in crowded conditions. Objective: The aim of the work was to assess role of Ambroxol inhalation in treatment of Bronchiolitis. Patients and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial included a total of included 40 children with bronchiolitis, attending at Department of Pediatrics, Sohag General Hospital. They were randomly divided into two groups, the control group consisted of 20 cases who were given bronchodilators, inhaled or systemic steroids, antibiotics if needed, or supportive measures and oxygen supplementation if needed. The intervention group consisted of 20 cases who were treated with Ambroxol inhalation in addition to supportive measures mentioned above. Results: There was insignificant differences between two groups regarding the need of oxygen and duration of oxygen therapy (p-value 0.337, 0.536 respectively). In the current study, we found that there was insignificant differences between two groups regarding degree of RD on admission but after treatment there was significant improvement in interventional group with p-value <0.001. In the current study, we found that there was significant difference between two groups regarding length of hospital stay as in interventional group was lower than control (p-value 0.002). Conclusion: It could be concluded that Ambroxol gives a good improvement in cases with bronchiolitis and decreases hospital stay. Furthermore, Ambroxol is safe, cheap and easy to administer.

First-line oxygen therapy with high-flow in bronchiolitis is not cost saving for the health service

BackgroundBronchiolitis is the most common reason for hospital admission in infants. High-flow oxygen therapy has emerged as a new treatment; however, the cost-effectiveness of using it as first-line therapy is...

β2-integrin LFA1 mediates airway damage following neutrophil transepithelial migration during respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is the most common cause of infant hospital admissions, but there is limited understanding of the mechanisms of disease, and no specific antiviral treatment. Using a novel in vitro primary transepithelial neutrophil migration model and innovative imaging methods, we show that RSV infection of nasal airway epithelium increased neutrophil transepithelial migration and adhesion to infected epithelial cells, which is associated with epithelial cell damage and reduced ciliary beat frequency, but also with a reduction in infectious viral load.Following migration, RSV infection results in greater neutrophil activation, degranulation and release of neutrophil elastase into the airway surface media compared to neutrophils that migrated across mock-infected nasal epithelial cells. Blocking of the interaction between the ligand on neutrophils (the β2-integrin LFA-1) for intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 on epithelial cells reduced neutrophil adherence to RSV-infected cells and epithelial cell damage to pre-infection levels, but did not reduce the numbers of neutrophils that migrated or prevent the reduction in infectious viral load.These findings have provided important insights into the contribution of neutrophils to airway damage and viral clearance, which are relevant to the pathophysiology of RSV bronchiolitis. This model is a convenient, quantitative preclinical model that will further elucidate mechanisms that drive disease severity and has utility in antiviral drug discovery.