Nebulised hypertonic (3%) saline in the treatment of bronchiolitis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does nebulised hypertonic (3%) saline reduce the duration of hospital admission in infants with bronchiolitis?
IRAS ID
18031
Contact name
Rishi Pabary
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
West Middlesex University Hospital
Eudract number
2009-014758-14
ISRCTN Number
N/A
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A
Research summary
A Cochrane Review in September 2008 collated information from four small studies and concluded that nebulised 3% saline (essentially salty water) solution may be of benefit in reducing the symptoms and therefore duration of hospital admission in infants under the age of one who have a working diagnosis of bronchiolitis.
Bronchiolitis is a seasonal viral infection (usually occuring between October and and April) that affects the breathing of infants, primarily under the age of one. There is a wide spectrum of symptoms; it can often be managed at home but may also require intensive hospital treatment and be fatal. Various medications have previously been used to try and combat the infection but, being a viral infection, none have so far been shown to be beneficial. The mainstay of treatment at present is supportive therapy. Children often require admission into hospital for supplemental oxygen and help with their feeding whilst unwell with bronchiolitis.
The trial aims to evaluate whether using nebulised 3% saline, which is currently used in other respiratory conditions (such as cystic fibrosis) to improve the clearance of mucus and therefore improve respiratory function, could be effective in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms in infants with bronchiolitis.
The previous review evaluated several small studies undertaken elsewhere around the world, including Israel and United Arab Emirates. There has not been a trial of 3% saline in the United Kingdom and, if a similar therapeutic effect is seen, the duration of hospital admission for infants may be reduced by around 25%, saving the NHS approximately £7 million pounds a year.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
14/ES/1005
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2010
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion