Heliox como fuente de nebulización del tratamiento broncodilatador en lactantes con bronquiolitis

IntroductionHeliox is a helium-oxygen mixture which improves laminar flow and decreases airway resistance and the work of breathing. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of salbutamol or epinephrine nebulization driven by heliox in infants with moderate-to-severe bronchiolitis.Materials and methodsThis prospective, observational, interventional, controlled and randomized study included ninety-six children who came to our pediatric emergency department with first episode of moderate-to-severe bronchiolitis. The patients were randomized to receive salbutamol or epinephrine nebulized with either oxygen (control group) or heliox (70% helium and 30% oxygen) as the driving gas. Heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry oxygen saturation and clinical score were measured before and after the treatment period. We also reported hospitalization rates and the number of patients who returned to the emergency department in the following seventy two hours.ResultsThere were no significant differences between both groups. The only statistically significant difference was that, in the heliox group, patients with severe bronchiolitis needed a lower number of nebulizations than infants in the control group.ConclusionsAccording to our study, heliox-driven salbutamol or epinephrine is not an effective therapy in patients with acute bronchiolitis.     

Nebulized hypertonic saline/salbutamol solution treatment in hospitalized children with mild to moderate bronchiolitis

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution and salbutamol in the treatment of mild to moderate bronchiolitis. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 93 infants with mild to moderate bronchiolitis were divided into two groups. The infants received inhalation of 2.5 mg (0.5 mL) salbutamol dissolved in either 4.0 mL normal (0.9%) saline (control group, n= 43) or 4.0 mL hypertonic (3%) saline (treatment group, n= 50). The therapy was repeated three times daily until discharge. Cough, wheezing, pulmonary physical signs, and the length of hospital stay were recorded. Results: Wheezing remission time was 3.8 ± 1.1 days in the control group and 2.7 ± 0.9 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). Cough remission time was 6.3 ± 0.9 days in the control group and 5.3 ± 0.8 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). The moist crackles disappeared at 5.4 ± 0.8 days in the treatment group versus 6.2 ± 0.9 days in the control group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the average length of hospital stay decreased from 7.4 ± 1.5 days in the control group to 6.0 ± 1.2 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). No obvious adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: Inhalation of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution and salbutamol is a safe and effective therapy for patients with mild to moderate bronchiolitis.     

Inhaled salbutamol for wheezy infants: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND—Salbutamol is frequently used as a bronchodilator for infants who wheeze. Many single dose studies have questioned its effectiveness.AIMS—To investigate the response of wheezy infants to salbutamol over an extended time period in order to elucidate either symptomatic relief or a protective effect.METHODS—Eighty infants under 1 year, with persistent or recurrent wheeze and a personal or family history of atopy, were recruited to a randomised, double blind, cross over, placebo controlled trial. Salbutamol (200 µg three times daily) or placebo were administered regularly over two consecutive treatment periods of four weeks via a spacer and mask. Symptoms of wheeze and cough were recorded in a diary. At the end of the study pulmonary function tests were performed before and after salbutamol (400 µg).RESULTS—Forty eight infants completed the diary study; 40 infants underwent pulmonary function testing. No difference in mean daily symptom score was observed between the salbutamol and placebo periods. There was no difference in the number of symptom free days. Compliance and forced expiratory flows remained unchanged and resistance increased following salbutamol. There was no relation between the response measured by symptom score or pulmonary function in individual patients.CONCLUSION—In wheezy infants with an atopic background, there was no significant beneficial effect of salbutamol on either clinical symptoms or pulmonary function. Clinical effects could not be predicted from pulmonary function tests. Salbutamol cannot be recommended as the bronchodilator of choice in this age group.     

Comparison of Epinephrine to Salbutamol in Acute Bronchiolitis

Objective

An appropriate treatment of acute viral bronchiolitis can reduce the symptoms, hospitalization duration and exorbitant costs which is imposed on the families and insurance organizations. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of epinephrine in comparison with salbutamol in the treatment of the disease.

Methods

Forty infants aged one month to 2 years with acute bronchiolitis in Amin and Al-Zahra hospitals, during 2008, were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomized in two treatment groups to receive epinephrine 0.1 ml/kg or salbutamol 0.15 mg/kg. Three doses of each medication were prescribed at intervals of 20 minutes and continued every 10 minutes after the third dose. The patients in both groups were monitored and rated by RDAI, number of the hospitalized days in the hospital, level of oxygen saturation and vital signs.

Findings

Mean hospitalization duration was 3.3±1.1 and 3±0.9 in the patients receiving salbutamol and epinephrine, respectively (P=0.03). There was a significant difference in assessing RDAI index between the two groups (P=0.03). There were no differences in SPO2, PR, or RR variables in the studied intervals in both groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Regarding the effect of epinephrine on reduction of hospitalization duration and the RDAI index in patients with acute bronchiolitis, it seems that using epinephrine instead of salbutamol could be more effective in the management of the disease.     

Comparison of terbutaline and salbutamol inhalation in children with mild or moderate acute exacerbation of asthma

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy and side effects of terbutaline and salbutamol administered by metered dose inhaler and holding chamber in the mild to moderate acute exacerbations of asthma in children.Methods: The study subjects were children in the age group of 5–15 years who presented with a mild or moderate acute exacerbation of asthma. Baseline assessment included clinical parameters and spirometry. The children were then randomized to receive salbutamol or terbutaline. Three puffs each of either 100 mcg salbutamol or 250 mcg of terbutaline were administered using 750 ml holding chamber with valve. Thirty minutes after drug administration, the children were reevaluated for clinical parameters and spirometry.Results: Of the total 60 subjects studied, 31 were administered terbutaline and 29 salbutamol. The baseline spirometric parameters were comparable. After drug administration, all the studied variables showed significant improvement within each group. However, there were no statistically significant differences when the two groups were compared with each other. There was no significant difference in the side effects between two groups.Conclusion: Terbutaline and salbutamol, when administered by MDI with holding chamber, are equally efficacious in children with mild or moderate acute exacerbation of asthma.     

Salbutamol and/or beclomethasone diproprionate in asthma

Objective: Acute severe exacerbation of asthma is potentially life threatening and requires critical assessment and appropriate therapy. Now a days, steroids are often combined with bronchodilators for the treatment of bronchial asthma. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to compare effectiveness of beclomethasone diproprionate-salbutamol combination versus salbutamol alone by MDI (with or without spacer) in acute asthma.Methods : A total of 57 paediatric patients (5–12 years) with acute attack of bronchial asthma attending emergency department of Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital was randomised to receive salbutamol (100 μg/puff) alone or with BDP (50 μg/puff) by metered dose inhaler with or without spacer. All baseline investigations were repeated one hour after the therapy.Results : Clinical parameters indicative of severity of asthma improved statistically in all treatment groups. The increase in PEFR was better with MDI-S+B with spacer as compared to other groups, though it failed to reach statistical significance. The fall in serum potassium level is significantly more with MDI-S+B group when spacer was not used. No serious adverse effects were observed in any of the treatment groups.Conclusions. Metered dose inhalation of BDP-salbutamol combination with spacer provides better recovery whereas fall in serum potassium with MDI-S+B suggests use of spacer and monitoring of serum potassium during treatment.     

Efficacy of a home-made spacer with acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma : A randomized controlled trial

Metered dose inhaler (MDI) with spacer is the preferred method for administration of aerosolized medications in pediatric asthma. The expense of commercial spacers limits their use and indigenous alternatives have therefore been developed. Information on the clinical efficacy of home-made spacers is limited. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of a valve-less home-made spacer with a commercial spacer in delivering salbutamolvia MDI in acute asthma. Asthmatic children aged 5–15 years who presented with an acute exacerbation to the pediatric chest clinic of a tertiary care hospital were enrolled in a single blinded randomized parallel group study. The study patients received 10 puffs of salbutamol (100(igJ puff)via MDI-home-made spacer or MDI-commercial spacer. Pre and post inhalation measurements of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), oxygen saturation (SaO2), respiratory rate (RR), pulse rate (PR) were made and compared. Sixty children were enrolled in the study, 31 were administered salbutamolvia the home-made spacer and 29via the commercial spacer. The median increase in PEFR was similar in both the groups (20.8% vs22.2%, p=0.4), clinical improvement being satisfactory in all patients. The valve-less home-made spacer is equally efficacious and cheaper than the commercial spacer in administering bronchodilators in acute exacerbations of asthma. Further studies on the efficacy of home-made spacer in delivery of inhaled steroids are needed.     

Randomized controlled trial of ipratropium bromide and salbutamol versus salbutamol alone in children with acute exacerbation of asthma

Objective To evaluate effect of addition of ipratropium to salbutamol delivered by metered dose inhaler and spacer in the beginning of treatment of mild to moderate exacerbation of asthma. Methods Children between 5 to 15 years of age with mild to moderate exacerbation of asthma were randomized to receive either a combination of ipratropium bromide and salbutamol or salbutamol alone administered by metered dose inhaler and spacer. The effects on clinical asthma score and spirometric parameters were compared. Results A total of 60 children were randomized in the study. The baseline characteristics of two groups were comparable. Children getting combination of salbutamol and ipratropium showed significantly greater improvement in percent-predicted PEFR and FEF25–75% than children receiving salbutamol alone. Conclusion There was beneficial effect of addition of ipratropium to salbutamol administered by MDI with spacer at the beginning of therapy for mild to moderate acute exacerbation of asthma in children.     

Randomised crossover trial of salbutamol aerosol delivered by metered dose inhaler,jet nebuliser,and ultrasonic nebuliser in chronic lung disease

AIMS—To compare the efficacy of salbutamol delivered by metered dose inhaler (MDI), jet nebuliser, and ultrasonic nebuliser in ventilated infants with chronic lung disease.METHODS—Twenty preterm ventilated infants with chronic lung disease were enrolled in two studies. In study 1 (n=10), each infant was given 200 µg of salbutamol at 4 hour intervals and in random sequence from a metered dose inhaler-spacer device, a jet nebuliser, and an ultrasonic nebuliser with a small medication cup. The infants were monitored for heart rate, transcutaneous pO₂, pCO₂, and oxygen saturation, respiratory system resistance and compliance before and after each treatment. Infants in study 2 (n=10) were similarly studied except for the use of a different jet nebuliser.RESULTS—The mean (SEM) maximum percentage decreases in respiratory system resistance, observed at 30 minutes after aerosol delivery were study 1: MDI: 44.3 (4.3)% ; jet: 32.3 (3.4)% ; ultrasonic: 56.1 (3.2)% ; study 2: MDI: 28.6 (1.0)% ; jet: 16.9 (1.4)% ; ultrasonic: 42.1 (1.6)%. During the first hour after treatment, a significantly faster heart rate and higher transcutaneous pO₂ were associated with the use of the ultrasonic nebuliser or MDI than with the jet nebulisers in both studies. The use of the ultrasonic nebuliser but not the other devices also resulted in a lower transcutaneous pCO₂ and improved respiratory system compliance in study 2.CONCLUSIONS—These findings suggest that among the devices tested, the delivery of salbutamol aerosol to the lower respiratory tract was greatest using the ultrasonic nebuliser, and least with the jet nebulisers.     

A comparative study of the bronchodilating effect of oral fenoterol and salbutamol in children with asthma

Twelve children with asthma and persistent airflow obstruction were studied to determine the degree and duration of bronchodilation achieved following oral fenoterol compared to oral salbutamol. Each child received oral fenoterol, oral salbutamol or placebo in a randomized double-blind manner and pulmonary function was recorded up to 6 h after the dose. The baseline FEV1 did not differ between the three groups. The responses to oral fenoterol and salbutamol, measured as the percentage change from the baseline FEV1, were significantly greater from 1 to 6 h after treatment compared with responses to placebo but there were no significant differences in the responses to the two active medications. It is concluded that, using the manufacturers' recommended doses, there is no difference between oral fenoterol and oral salbutamol in terms of their bronchodilator effectiveness and duration of action.     

Two administration methods for inhaled salbutamol in intubated patients

Aims: To compare serum concentrations and effects on respiratory mechanics and haemodynamics of salbutamol administered by small volume nebuliser (SVN) and metered dose inhaler (MDI) plus spacer. Methods: Blinded, randomised, crossover study in 12 intubated infants and children (mean age 17.8 months) receiving inhaled salbutamol therapy. Subjects received salbutamol as 0.15 mg/kg by SVN and four puffs (400 µg) by MDI plus spacer at a four hour interval in random order. Passive respiratory mechanics were measured by a single breath/single occlusion technique, and serum salbutamol concentrations by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry at 30 minutes, 1, 2, and 4 hours after each dose. Haemodynamics (heart rate and blood pressure) were recorded at each measurement time. Results: There was no difference in percentage change in respiratory mechanics or haemodynamics between the two methods of administration. Mean area under the curve (AUC_0–4) was 5.86 for MDI plus spacer versus 4.93 ng/ml x h for SVN. Conclusions: Serum concentrations and effects on respiratory mechanics and haemodynamics of salbutamol were comparable with the two administration methods under the conditions studied. Future studies are needed to determine the most effective and safe combination of dose and administration method of inhaled salbutamol in mechanically ventilated infants and children.     

At comparative study of the bronchodilating effect of oral fenoterol and salbutamol in children with asthma

Twelve children with asthma and persistent airflow obstruction were studied to determine the degree and duration of bronchodilation achieved following oral fenoterol compared to oral salbutamol. Each child received oral fenoterol, oral salbutamol or placebo in a randomized double-blind manner and pulmonary function was recorded up to 6 h after the dose. The baseline FEV₁, did not differ between the three groups. The responses to oral fenoterol and salbutamol, measured as the percentage change from the baseline FEV₁, were significantly greater from 1 to 6 h after treatment compared with responses to placebo but there were no significant differences in the responses to the two active medications. It is concluded that, using the manufacturers' recommended doses, there is no difference between oral fenoterol and oral salbutamol in term of their bronchodilator effectiveness and duration of action.     

Recent advances in management of bronchiolitis

Background

Bronchiolitis is one of the major causes for hospital admissions in infants. Managing bronchiolitis, both in the outpatient and inpatient setting remains a challenge to the treating pediatrician. The effectiveness of various interventions used for infants with bronchiolitis remains unclear.

Need and purpose

To evaluate the evidence supporting the use of currently available treatment and preventive strategies for infants with bronchiolitis and to provide practical guidelines to the practitioners managing children with bronchiolitis.

Methods

A search of articles published on bronchiolitis was performed using PubMed. The areas of focus were diagnosis, treatment and prevention of bronchiolitis in children. Relevant information was extracted from English language studies published over the last 20 years. In addition, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was searched.

Results and Conclusions

Supportive care, comprising of taking care of oxygenation and hydration, remains the corner-stone of therapy in bronchiolitis. Pulse oximetry helps in guiding the need for oxygen administration. Several recent evidence-based reviews have suggested that bronchodilators or corticosteroids lack efficacy in bronchiolitis and should not be routinely used. A number of other novel therapies (such as nebulized hypertonic saline, heliox, CPAP, montelukast, surfactant, and inhaled furosemide) have been evaluated in clinical trials, and although most of them did not show any beneficial results, some like hypertonic saline, surfactant, CPAP have shown promising results.     

A survey of consultant practice: intravenous salbutamol or aminophylline for acute severe childhood asthma and awareness of potential hypokalaemia

British Thoracic Society guidelines recommend intravenous salbutamol or aminophylline for acute severe asthma in children. In the survey reported here, 133 consultant paediatricians completed a questionnaire aimed at evaluating their choice of intravenous bronchodilator for acute severe asthma and their awareness of subsequent hypokalaemia. Of the non-Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) consultants who responded, 82%, including respiratory paediatricians, reported using aminophylline; in contrast, PICU consultants were significantly more likely to use salbutamol (p=<0.001). There was a lack of awareness that hypokalaemia occurs with aminophylline: 50% of the consultants suggested that hypokalaemia was rare or did not occur. Consultants using intravenous aminophylline were significantly less likely to recheck serum potassium levels than those using intravenous salbutamol (p=0.03). Based on the completed questionnaires, salbutamol infusions are rarely used outside the PICU, and the awareness of potential hypokalaemia following intravenous bronchodilator treatment is variable. It would appear, therefore, that standardised clinical practice is required in order to recognise and treat potential hypokalaemia.     

Salbutamol or mist in acute bronchiolitis

Abstract Background : The role of bronchodilators in the treatment of bronchiolitis remains controversial.
Methods : A double-blind, placebo controlled trial was performed to evaluate the clinical response to nebulized salbutamol. One hundred and fifty-six infants aged between 7 weeks and 24 months who had had an episode of wheezing and other signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis were randomized to three groups as follows: (i) nebulized salbutamol was administered to 52 patients in group I at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg in 2 mL saline; (ii) saline was nebulized to 52 patients in group II and (iii) in group III 52 patients received mist in a tent. All three groups were administered oxygen during the procedures. Treatment was repeated with the same agent after 30 min if the respiratory score was 5 or more. Respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation and presence of cyanosis, wheezing, retractions were recorded before and after each treatment.
Results : The decrease in the respiratory score was 5.2 ± 1.8, 0.82 ± 2.4 and 1.7 ± 1.3 in group I, II and III, respectively. The decrease in group I was significantly higher than in the other groups. Heart rate was similar between groups. Oxygen saturation decreased in group I without reaching statistical significance.
Conclusions: Salbutamol was shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of acute bronchiolitis.     

Emergency room management of acute bronchiolitis: a randomized trial of nebulized epinephrine

Acute bronchiolitis is a common, potentially life-threatening condition with few therapeutic options. In the present randomized study, we compared the clinical efficacies of nebulized epinephrine and salbutamol in the emergency room management of acute bronchiolitis. Primary outcome measures were improvement in mean respiratory rate, mean oxygen saturation value and severity score. Secondary outcome measures were length of hospital stay, hospitalization and relapse rates. A total of 75 patients were analyzed (36 epinephrine, 39 salbutamol). Both groups experienced a similar pattern of clinical improvement. Hospitalization rates were 8.3% for epinephrine and 5.1% for salbutamol (p > 0.05), whereas relapse rates were 80% for epinephrine and 20% for salbutamol groups (p < 0.001). Respiratory syncytial virus was the most common virus identified (41%). We did not find a difference between salbutamol and epinephrine in terms of clinical improvement, but salbutamol can be a drug of choice due to its lower relapse and hospitalization rates compared to epinephrine.     

Additive effects of dexamethasone in nebulized salbutamol or l-epinephrine treated infants with acute bronchiolitis

BACKGROUND: Although it is the most common lower respiratory infection of infancy, the optimal treatment for acute bronchiolitis is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the early and late effects of nebulized L-epinephrine (EPI) and intramuscular dexamethasone (DEX) combination therapy with nebulized salbutamol (SAL) and dexamethasone combination and bronchodilators alone in outpatients with acute bronchiolitis. METHODS: A total of 69 infants aged 2-21 months who were admitted to the Pediatrics Department of the Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, with acute bronchiolitis were included in a randomized, placebo-controlled, prospective trial study. Patients were assigned to receive either nebulized L-epinephrine (3 mg) or salbutamol (0.15 mg/kg) and 15 min later, either dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg or placebo (PLA), intramuscularly, in a double-blind randomized fashion. The study groups were: epinephrine + dexamethasone group (group 1, n=23), salbutamol + dexamethasone group (group 2, n=23), epinephrine + placebo group (group 3, n=11), and salbutamol + placebo group (group 4, n=12). The outcome measures were heart rate, respiratory rate and Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI) score determined at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min, 24 h, and 5 days after the first therapy. Patients were then followed-up during the subsequent 2 months for the prevalance of respiratory complaints regarding bronchial hyperreactivity. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the outcome variables of the four groups within the first 120 min and at 24 hours, or between the rates of requirement of a second dose of the same bronchodilator. However, fifth day RDAI score values of both DEX groups were significantly lower than that of SAL + PLA group (P=0.000 and P=0.01, respectively). The fifth day score value of group 1 was also significantly better than that value of EPI + PLA group but not different from group 2. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of intramuscular dexamethasone added to nebulized L-epinephrine, or salbutamol therapies resulted in better outcome measures than bronchodilators alone in the late phase (fifth day) of mild to moderate degree bronchiolitis attack. However, effects of EPI + DEX combination was not different from SAL + DEX combination.     

Does bronchodilator responsiveness in infants with bronchiolitis depend on age?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between age and bronchodilator responsiveness in infants with bronchiolitis. STUDY DESIGN: In 41 infants (age, 2 to 18 months) with bronchiolitis, lung function was measured with the raised volume rapid thoracoabdominal compression technique before and after salbutamol inhalation. Lung function was quantified in terms of timed volumes (FEV(0.5), FEV(0.75), and FEV(1.0)). A significant change was defined as a postbronchodilator value that differed from baseline by more than twice the within-subject coefficient of variation. RESULTS: For the group, postbronchodilator values did not differ significantly from baseline (DeltaFEV(0.5), 3.8% +/- 9.3%; DeltaFEV(0.75), 3.5% +/- 9.5%; and DeltaFEV(1.0), 4.0 +/- 9.8%). Eleven subjects showed significantly increased timed volumes; 3 presented with a decreased lung function; the remaining patients failed to show a significant change. The mean age of subjects with improved lung function did not differ significantly from the mean age of those with no or paradoxical responses (9.7 +/- 4.7 vs 8.1 +/- 4.1 months); there was no correlation of age with the size of the bronchodilator response. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study indicate that bronchodilator responsiveness in infants with bronchiolitis is not age-dependent.     

The management of acute bronchiolitis in infants

Bronchiolitis is a seasonal viral lower respiratory tract illness common in infancy and a major cause of hospitalization in this age group. The course is often self-limiting but drawn out over 2–4 weeks. Investigations are of limited value and the diagnosis is essentially clinical. Mainstay of management is supportive care to maintain oxygenation and hydration. Historically, clinical trials have shown little or no significant benefit of pharmacological therapy in bronchiolitis. Commonly used pharmacological agents include nebulized hypertonic saline, bronchodilators, epinephrine and corticosteroids, oral or inhaled; though their role remains controversial. Recent studies point towards a beneficial effect of nebulized hypertonic saline on clinical severity and length of hospitalization. There also seems to be a promising role of nebulized epinephrine in reducing the need for hospitalization. Home oxygen is increasingly being used in patients with uncomplicated bronchiolitis and on-going hypoxia as an effective way to decrease both hospital admissions and the length of hospital stay.     

Oral salbutamol for symptomatic relief in mild bronchiolitis a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of oral salbutamol for providing symptomatic relief in mild bronchiolitis. DESIGN: Randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial. SETTING: Pediatric Outpatient Department of a tertiary care hospital. SUBJECTS: 140 infants (of 310 approached) with a clinical diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis. I N T E R V E N T I O N : Oral salbutamol (0.1 mg/kg/dose) (n=70) or placebo (n=70) three times a day for 7 days or till complete resolution of symptoms, whichever was earlier. OUTCOME VARIABLES: Time for resolution of illness (ROI), duration of fever, cough, coryza, noisy breathing, time to achieve normal feeding and normal sleep, and frequency of hospitalization and adverse effects. RESUltS: Median (SE, 95% CI) duration of resolution of overall illness was similar in the two groups [6 (0, 5 to 7) d in the salbutamol group vs. 5 (1, 4 to 6) days in placebo group; P=0.21]. There was no significant difference in mean duration of fever, cough, coryza, noisy breathing, time to achieve normal feeding and normal sleep; and frequency of hospitalization or adverse effects, between the two groups. However, tremors were observed in 5 infants in the salbutamol group. CONCLUSION: Oral salbutamol is not superior to placebo in reducing the duration of symptoms in mild cases of acute bronchiolitis in children.