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[HYPERTONIC SALINE FOR HOSPITALIZED INFANTS WITH ACUTE BRONCHIOLITIS IN ISRAEL IN 2018]
Aviv Goldbart1,2, Inbal Golan-Tripto1,2, Yaakov Schachter3
1Department of Pediatrics, Soroka Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Insights
Hypertonic saline inhalations are widely used for infants with acute bronchiolitis in Israel. Most pediatric wards routinely administer this treatment, often combined with bronchodilators.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Hypertonic saline inhalations are an established therapy for infants with acute bronchiolitis.
- Evidence suggests this treatment can reduce hospitalization duration and admission rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utilization of hypertonic saline inhalations in Israeli pediatric wards during 2018.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to pediatric ward managers across Israel in October 2018.
- The survey collected data on treatments for acute bronchiolitis in pediatric and emergency departments.
- Statistical analysis was performed on the collected data.
Main Results:
- A response rate of 78% was achieved from pediatric ward managers.
- 77% of responding wards routinely use hypertonic saline for acute bronchiolitis.
- In 70% of cases, hypertonic saline was administered with a bronchodilator.
Conclusions:
- Hypertonic saline, frequently with bronchodilators, is a standard treatment for infants with acute bronchiolitis in most Israeli pediatric and emergency departments.
Introduction:
Inhalations of hypertonic saline is a known therapy for infants diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis. Recent meta-analysis has shown that it can reduce the length of hospitalization and decrease the chances of admission.
Aims:
To assess the extent of use of hypertonic saline inhalations in the pediatric wards in Israel in 2018.
Methods:
During October 2018 a detailed questionnaire was emailed to all the managers of pediatric wards in Israel. The questions related to treatments given to infants with acute bronchiolitis in pediatric wards and emergency departments in 2018. All results underwent statistical analysis.
Results:
A total of 22/28 (78%) of all pediatric wards managers completed the questionnaire; 17/22 (77%) routinely use hypertonic saline in their wards. In 15 out of the 17 wards the hypertonic saline is also provided at their emergency department. In 12 wards (70%) the saline is provided together with a bronchodilator, in 4 (24%) with inhaled steroids, and in 2 (12%) with adrenaline.
Conclusions:
In most pediatric wards and their emergency departments in Israel, hypertonic saline with bronchodilators is routinely used to treat infants with acute bronchiolitis.
