Evaluating the efficacy of corticosteroids and bronchodilators in the management of paediatric bronchiolitis

Abstract

Background: Bronchiolitis, a standard lower tract infection in young children, poses significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and management. Corticosteroids and bronchodilators are often prescribed to manage this condition, despite limited evidence supporting their efficacy. This study aimed to judge the effectiveness of corticosteroids and bronchodilators within the management of paediatric bronchiolitis. Objective: to see the clinical efficacy of corticosteroids and bronchodilators in improving respiratory symptoms and reducing hospitalization rates among paediatric patients with bronchiolitis. Study Settings and Sample Size: This study was conducted at different centres including Department of Paediatrics, Social Security MNCH Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab and Sahara Medical College Narowal, Punjab in the period from October, 2022 to March, 2023 enrolling 300 children aged 1 month to 2 years with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to at least one of three treatment groups: corticosteroids (n=100), bronchodilators (n=100), or placebo (n=100). the first outcome was improvement within the Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI) score. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization rates, length of hospital stay, and adverse events. Results: Children within the corticosteroid group experienced a significantly greater improvement in RDAI scores compared to the placebo group (p<0.001).