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J Pediatr Intensive Care 2023; 12(02): 079-086
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1715852
Review Article

Acute Viral Bronchiolitis: A Narrative Review

Suresh K. Angurana
1   Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
,
Vijai Williams
2   Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Perumbakkam, Chennai, India
,
Lalit Takia
1   Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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Abstract

Acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) is the leading cause of hospital admissions among infants in developed and developing countries and associated with increased morbidity and cost of treatment. This review was performed to guide the clinicians managing AVB in light of evidence accumulated in the last decade. We searched published English literature in last decade regarding etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AVB using PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common causative agent. The diagnosis is mainly clinical with limited role of diagnostic investigations and chest radiographs are not routinely indicated. The management of AVB remains a challenge, as the role of various interventions is not clear. Supportive care in form of provision of heated and humidified oxygen and maintaining hydration are main interventions. The use of pulse oximetry helps to guide the administration of oxygen. Trials and systematic reviews evaluated various interventions like nebulized adrenaline, bronchodilators and hypertonic saline, corticosteroids, different modes of noninvasive ventilation (high-flow nasal cannula [HFNC], continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP], and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation [NPPV]), surfactant, heliox, chest physiotherapy, and antiviral drugs. The interventions which showed some benefits in infants and children with AVB are adrenaline and hypertonic saline nebulization, HFNC, CPAP, NIV, and surfactant. The routine administration of antibiotics, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, steam inhalation, chest physiotherapy, heliox, and antiviral drugs are not recommended.

Keywords

respiratory syncytial virus - hypertonic saline - HFNC - nebulization - wheezing


Publication History

Received: 06 June 2020

Accepted: 09 July 2020

Article published online:
02 September 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Stuttgart · New York

 

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