ACUTE BRONCHIOLITIS OUTCOMES IN INFANTS

Abstract

Background:

The most prevalent lower respiratory tract infection in infants is acute bronchiolitis which is often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization among children, which can lead to serious breathing difficulties, especially in premature and/or high-risk babies.

Objective:

To determine the clinical profile, intensive care needs and short-term outcome of acute bronchiolitis in infants hospitalized in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:

The study was a prospective observational study at the Department of Pediatrics of Lady Reading Hospital between December 2024 and May 2025. Two hundred and ten infants aged 12 months and below were included with clinically and radiologically confirmed acute bronchiolitis. A structured proforma was used to collect data on demographics, clinical features, and hospital course. The level of severity was measured in terms of clinical scoring and the need of respiratory support. The data were analyzed with the help of SPSS version 27 in which continuous variables have been summarized by mean + SD or median (IQR) and the categorical variables are presented in the form of frequencies and percentages. Chi-square or Fisher exact test was used to test the association with p < 0.05 noted to be statistically significant.

Results:

Out of 200 infants, the mean age was 5.3 but with a standard deviation of 3.2 months and 62 percent were males. The most prevalent clinical aspects were cough (100%), wheezing (92%), and tachypnea (85%). Hypoxemia was noticed in 38 percent and evidence of respiratory distress in 42 percent. Needs in oxygen therapy were 38 percent, non-invasive ventilation 11 percent, and mechanical ventilation 5 percent. The severity was mild (48%), moderate (37%), and severe (15%) with the severe disease being significantly associated with preterm birth, age 0-3 months old, and hypoxemia (p < 0.05). The mean length of stay in hospital was 5 days (IQR 37). Short-term complications were experienced by 15 per cent, readmission was 3 per cent and no deaths were experienced.

Conclusion:

Young infants and preterm cases are mostly affected by acute bronchiolitis, and the vast majority are mild to moderate. The disease, which is severe, is characterized by younger age and prematurity and might need some advanced respiratory support. Timely diagnosis, close observation, and formal supportive care should be important in maximizing the results, and planning of hospital resources is necessary during the seasons.