Chest physical therapy is effective in reducing the clinical score in bronchiolitis: randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of chest physical therapy (CP) in reducing the clinical score in infants with acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB). Methods: Randomized controlled trial of 30 previously healthy infants (mean age 4.08 SD 3.0 months) with AVB and positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), evaluated at three moments: at admission, then at 48 and 72 hours after admission. The procedures were conducted by blinded assessors to each of three groups: G1 -new Chest Physical therapy-nCPT (Prolonged slow expiration -PSE and Clearance rhinopharyngeal retrograde -CRR), G2 -conventional Chest Physical therapy-cCPT (modified postural drainage, expiratory compression, vibration and percussion) and G3 -aspiration of the upper airways. The outcomes of interest were the Wang's clinical score (CS) and its components: Retractions (RE), Respiratory Rate (RR), Wheezing (WH) and General Conditions (GC). Results:The CS on admission was reduced in G1 (7.0-4.0) and G2 (7.5-5.5) but was unchanged in G3 (7.5-7.0). We observed a change 48 hours after hospitalization in G1 (5.5-3.0) and G2 (4.0-2.0) and in 72 hours, there was a change in G1 (2.0-1.0). Conclusion: The CP was effective in reducing the CS in infants with AVB compared with upper airway suction only. After 48 hours of admission, both techniques were effective and nCPT techniques were also effective in the 72 hours after hospitalization compared with cCPT techniques.Trial Registration NCT00884429-www.clinicaltrials.gov.Keywords: respiratory suncytial virus; bronchiolitis; physical therapy. ResumoObjetivo: Avaliar a efetividade da fisioterapia respiratória na redução do escore clínico em lactentes com bronquiolite viral aguda (BVA). Métodos: Ensaio controlado randomizado de 30 lactentes (média de idade 4,08±3,12 meses) com BVA, previamente hígidos, com vírus sincicial respiratório (VSR) positivo, avaliados em três momentos: admissão, 48 e 72 horas, antes e após os procedimentos por avaliadores cegos, em três grupos: G1 -técnicas atuais de fisioterapia (expiração lenta e prolongada e desobstrução rinofaríngea retrógrada), G2 -técnicas convencionais de fisioterapia (drenagem postural modificada, compressão expiratória, vibração e percussão) e G3 -aspiração de vias aéreas superiores por meio do escore clínico de Wang e seus componentes: retrações (RE), frequência respiratória (RR), sibilos (WH) e condições gerais (GC). Resultados: O escore clínico de Wang (CS) no momento admissão, no G1, reduziu de 7,0-4,0; no G2, de 7,5-5,5 e no G3 de 7,5-7,0, não apresentando alteração. No momento 48 horas, também houve alteração tanto no G1 (5,5-3,0) quanto no G2 (4,0-2,0) e, em 72 horas, apenas no G1 (2,0-1,0). Conclusão: A fisioterapia respiratória foi efetiva na redução do escore clínico em lactentes com BVA quando comparada com a aspiração isolada das vias aéreas na admissão. No momento 48 horas, ambas as técnicas foram efetivas, sendo que as técnicas atuais foram efetivas também nas 72 horas após a internação, comparada às técnicas convencionais.Registro de Ensa...

Chest Physical Therapy in Acute Viral Bronchiolitis: An Updated Review

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