• Zhengxiu Luo, Enmei Liu, Jian Luo, Subi Li, Fengqiong Zeng, Xiqiang Yang, and Zhou Fu.
• Respiratory Department, Children's Hospital, Chong Qing Medical University, Chongqing, China. luozhengxiu816@163.com
• Pediatr Int. 2010 Apr 1; 52 (2): 199-202.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution and salbutamol in the treatment of mild to moderate bronchiolitis.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, 93 infants with mild to moderate bronchiolitis were divided into two groups. The infants received inhalation of 2.5 mg (0.5 mL) salbutamol dissolved in either 4.0 mL normal (0.9%) saline (control group, n= 43) or 4.0 mL hypertonic (3%) saline (treatment group, n= 50). The therapy was repeated three times daily until discharge. Cough, wheezing, pulmonary physical signs, and the length of hospital stay were recorded.ResultsWheezing remission time was 3.8 + or - 1.1 days in the control group and 2.7 + or - 0.9 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). Cough remission time was 6.3 + or - 0.9 days in the control group and 5.3 + or - 0.8 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). The moist crackles disappeared at 5.4 + or - 0.8 days in the treatment group versus 6.2 + or - 0.9 days in the control group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the average length of hospital stay decreased from 7.4 + or - 1.5 days in the control group to 6.0 + or - 1.2 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). No obvious adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsInhalation of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution and salbutamol is a safe and effective therapy for patients with mild to moderate bronchiolitis.

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