Efficacy of hypertonic nebulized saline in bronchiolitis: improved outcome measures needed.

摘要

The recent report by Al-Ansari et al adds to recent studies investigating the use of nebulized hypertonic saline (HS) for the treatment of bronchiolitis.However, we believe that the authors might have overstated their conclusions, and we suggest a more cautious interpretation of their study findings.Pooled data from 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of nebulized 3% HS (coadministered predominantly with bron-chodilators) have shown a potential benefit in bronchiolitis, albeit using different delivery methods and timing of administration. Reduced length of stay and lower clinical severity scores were seen in patients with mild to moderate bronchiolitis and were more marked in outpatients than in inpatients.8 A more recent RCT reported by Luo et al4 also showed that 3% HS (administered without bronchodilator) was beneficial in patients with moderate to severe broncholitis.