Nebulized epinephrine versus salbutamol for the management of children presenting with bronchiolitis: Single Center Study.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the outcome of nebulized epinephrine versus salbutamol for the management of children presenting with bronchiolitis. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Department of Pediatrics, Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad. Period: 6 month (1^st October, 2016 to 1^st April, 2017). Material & Methods: Children fulfilled selection criteria were enrolled. Then patients were randomly divided in two groups by using lottery method. In Group A, children received salbutamol. In group B, children received nebulized adrenaline. After 48 hours, children were evaluated for heart rate, respiratory rates, oxygen saturation and Respiratory Distress Assessment Index (RDAI) score. All the information was collected using proforma. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of children was 10.45±6.70 months in epinephrine group and13.07±6.28 months in salbutamol group. There were 29 (52.7%) males & 26 (47.3%) females in both groups. After 48 hours, mean heart rate was 122.58±4.75bpm with epinephrine while 127.87±4.4.44bpm with salbutamol. Mean respiratory rate was 35.16±3.29bpm with epinephrine while 39.84±3.32bpm with salbutamol. Mean RDAI score was 8.35±1.36 with epinephrine while 10.07±1.37 with salbutamol. Mean oxygen saturation was 85.24±2.74% with epinephrine while 80.38±3.26% with salbutamol. The difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Thus the nebulized epinephrine was found to be more effective in maintaining heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and RDAI score of children as compared to salbutamol.