NEBULIZED RACEMIC ADRENALINE IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE BRONCHIOLITIS IN INFANTS AND TODDLERS

The effect of inhaled nebulised racemic adrenaline upon symptoms of ac ute bronchiolitis was investigated in 29 infants and toddlers aged 2-1 7.5 months by transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPo2), oxygen saturation , transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (TcPco(2)), and clinical evalu ation in a double blind placebo controlled study. Clinical score and T cPo2 improved significantly at 30, 45, and 60 minutes after inhalation of racemic adrenaline, with an increase in TcPo2 greater than or equa l to 0.5 kPa in 72% of the children <1 year of age. No significant imp rovement was observed after inhalation of placebo. No significant chan ges in heart rate or TcPco(2) were observed from before to after inhal ation, but a small increase in mean systolic blood pressure was observ ed immediately and 45 minutes after racemic adrenaline inhalation. Thi s study demonstrates that treatment with nebulised racemic adrenaline improved oxygenation and clinical signs in hospitalised children aged less than 18 months with bronchiolitis.