Acute bronchiolitis: hospitalization, complications and therapeutic management in children less than two years old at a high complexity institution during 2017-2018: A descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: Acute bronchiolitis is defined as the first bronchoobstructive episode in children under two years of age, preceded by signs of upper respiratory tract infection. Its significance lies in its high prevalence, as it is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under one year in Colombia. While it is a disease with low fatality, there are patient groups that may develop severe complications. Objective: This study aimed to describe the frequency of hospitalization and complications, as well as the treatment, of children under two years of age with acute bronchiolitis in a high-complexity institution. Methods: A retrospective descriptive observational study was conducted. The study population consisted of infants diagnosed with bronchiolitis who were admitted to the institution during 2017 and 2018. The information was recorded in a database and analyzed with SPSS-24.0. Results: A total of 427 patients were included, of whom 266 were females (62.3%). The median age was 2 months (1-5 months). Retractions were present in 242 infants (56.7%). Hospitalization was required for 268 patients (62.8%), with a median length of stay of 4 days (2-7 days). Among the hospitalized patients, 32 (11.9%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Nasal lavage was the most commonly used therapy, applied to 365 patients (85.5%). Viral panel testing was performed in 259 patients (60.6%), with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the primary agent detected. Conclusions: Although more than half of the patients required hospitalization, the majority had a benign course. While management approaches varied, symptomatic treatment was predominant.

Keywords

• bronchiolitis
• complications
• hospitalization
• infant