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Effect of salbutamol on respiratory mechanics in bronchiolitis

D M Hughes, P N Lesouëf, L I Landau

    Pediatric Research
    |July 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Inhaled salbutamol did not improve airways in infants with bronchiolitis. Instead, it decreased maximum flow and expiratory time constants, potentially harming lung function.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Evaluating inhaled bronchodilators in infant bronchiolitis is challenging due to limitations in assessing respiratory function.
    • Salbutamol is a common bronchodilator, but its efficacy in bronchiolitis remains debated.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the effects of inhaled salbutamol on respiratory mechanics in infants with bronchiolitis using novel techniques.
    • To investigate potential detrimental effects of salbutamol on expiratory function.

    Main Methods:

    • Seventeen infants with bronchiolitis were studied using two new techniques to measure respiratory system compliance (Crs) and conductance (Grs) via passive expiration with airway occlusion.
    • Maximum flow at functional residual capacity (VmaxFRC) was measured using partial expiratory flow-volume curves generated by chest compression.

    Main Results:

    • Salbutamol did not significantly alter Crs or Grs in the study group.
    • A significant decrease in VmaxFRC (p < 0.01) and tidal expiratory time constant (p < 0.01) was observed after salbutamol administration.
    • These changes suggest increased airway collapse and reduced expiratory braking, potentially impairing lung volume maintenance.

    Conclusions:

    • Inhaled salbutamol did not demonstrate a beneficial effect on airway function in infants with bronchiolitis.
    • Salbutamol induced potentially harmful expiratory changes, including decreased VmaxFRC and altered expiratory time constants.
    • The findings suggest that salbutamol may not be an effective treatment for bronchiolitis and could negatively impact expiratory mechanics.

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