Title: Dexamethasone inhalations in RSV bronchiolitis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Author: Bentur L, Shoseyov D, Feigenbaum D, Gorichovsky Y, Bibi H. Journal: Acta Paediatr; 2005 Jul; 94(7):866-71. PubMed ID: 16188807. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of inhaled dexamethasone on hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. STUDY DESIGN: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared nebulization of dexamethasone versus nebulization of 0.9% saline. Both groups were treated with epinephrine nebulizations. Follow-up continued for 3 mo. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-one infants with bronchiolitis aged 3 to 12 mo were included. They were randomly allocated to nebulizations with 0.25 mg dexamethasone every 6 h (group 1) or an equivalent amount of normal saline (group 2). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences with respect to clinical score, oxygen saturation, or IV fluid requirement between the groups were noted. Using Kaplan-Meyer's method, the cumulative proportion of in-hospital stay was significantly lower in group 1 compared with group 2, mainly in days 5 and 6 post-hospitalization (p<0.038). A subgroup of prematurely born children in group 1 had a shorter hospitalization period (6.5+/-1.7 d) compared with group 2 children (9.1+/-1.9) (p<0.018). Follow-up revealed similar wheeze and hospitalization rates in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Inhaled dexamethasone may reduce the length of hospitalization among infants with acute viral bronchiolitis, especially among those born prematurely.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]
