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Intravenous fluids versus gastric-tube feeding in hospitalized infants with viral bronchiolitis: a randomized,

Amir Kugelman1, Karine Raibin, Husein Dabbah

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Bnai Zion Medical Center, The B&R Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel. amirkug@gmail.com

The Journal of Pediatrics
|December 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Gastric tube feeding is a viable alternative to intravenous fluids for infants with bronchiolitis who cannot feed orally. This pilot study found similar clinical outcomes between the two methods in hospitalized infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Respiratory Illness

Background:

  • Bronchiolitis commonly affects infants, often leading to dehydration and feeding difficulties.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests intravenous fluids for infants unable to maintain oral intake.
  • Alternative feeding strategies are needed to manage fluid balance in infants with moderate bronchiolitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility and clinical outcomes of gastric tube feeding versus intravenous fluids in infants with moderate bronchiolitis.
  • To compare the effectiveness of nasogastric tube feeding with traditional intravenous fluid administration.
  • To provide evidence for alternative hydration methods in pediatric respiratory infections.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, prospective pilot study was conducted.
  • Infants aged ≤6 months with moderate bronchiolitis were enrolled.
  • Participants were assigned to receive either gastric tube feeding (n=31) or intravenous fluids (n=20).

Main Results:

  • Gastric tube feeding was demonstrated to be a feasible method for fluid administration.
  • Clinical outcomes for infants receiving gastric tube feeding were comparable to those receiving intravenous fluids.
  • No significant differences in key clinical outcomes were observed between the two groups.

Conclusions:

  • Gastric tube feeding presents a feasible and effective alternative to intravenous fluids for hospitalized infants with moderate bronchiolitis.
  • This approach may offer benefits in managing fluid balance and clinical recovery.
  • Further research can explore broader applications and long-term effects of gastric tube feeding in pediatric care.

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