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.     

Short term effects of adrenaline in bronchiolitis: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Airway narrowing in acute bronchiolitis does not respond to inhaled bronchodilators but does to adrenaline when compared to bronchodilators. Influences of supportive care were not considered in previous treatment studies. METHODS: Short term effects of nebulised adrenaline and saline placebo were compared in infants with moderately severe acute bronchiolitis. Thirty eight infants were recruited, 19 in each treatment group. After stabilisation, infants received a single 3 ml dose of either levo-adrenaline (3 mg) or 0.9% saline placebo via Pari-BABY nebuliser driven with 6 l/min oxygen for three minutes. Changes in respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI), and activity levels were assessed at 20 minutes intervals at times -20, 0, 20, 40, and 60 minutes around treatment. Respiratory virology and chest x ray were performed. RESULTS: Supportive therapy prior to study treatment resulted in significant reductions in RR (by 4.3 breaths/min) and HR (by 4.6 beats/min); there were no changes in SpO(2) or RDAI. There were no further changes in any parameter in either treatment group at any assessment time after treatment. CONCLUSION: No improvement was shown with inhaled adrenaline in acute bronchiolitis, when compared with supportive care or placebo. Improvements noted pretreatment question whether prior noted improvements were through supportive care or pharmacological interventions.     

Efficacy and safety of nebulized L-epinephrine associated with dexamethasone in postintubation laringitis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of the use of nebulized L-epinephrine associated with dexamethasone in postintubation laryngitis. METHODS: We carried out a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study with two cohorts of patients with postintubation laryngitis graded 3 to 6 by Downes-Raphaelly score during two years. Our population was divided into two groups: A and B; both groups received intravenous dexamethasone and two doses of nebulized saline; however, only group B received L-epinephrine. The efficacy was assessed by Downes-Raphaelly score. The side effects of L-epinephrine were evaluated according to the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmia, increased blood pressure, and average heart rate of group B in comparison to group A. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included in group A (average score = 4.8) and 19 in group B (average score = 5.2). During treatment, 3 patients in group A presented a score of 8 and were reintubated. This group also showed higher mean clinical scores than group B during the first two hours of the protocol; these results were not statistically significant. No side effects were observed due to epinephrine. The gas blood measurements were adequate in both groups, but better in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe increased efficacy for the treatment of postintubation laryngitis when nebulized L-epinephrine was used simultaneously with intravenous dexamethasone. Some indicators, however, did present a favorable trend when combined therapy was used and should be submitted to further evaluation.     

A randomized,controlled trial of the effectiveness of nebulized therapy with epinephrine compared with albuterol and saline in infants hospitalized for acute viral bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVE: In previously well infants hospitalized with acute viral bronchiolitis, the effectiveness of repeated nebulized therapy with epinephrine (EPI) was compared with treatment with albuterol (ALB) or saline placebo (PLAC). STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, controlled trial, infants received study nebulizations every 1 to 6 hours and were assessed twice daily by the research team. The primary outcome was length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included the time from admission until the infant had normal hydration, oxygenation, and minimal respiratory distress. RESULTS: A total of 149 infants were randomized; 50 were allocated to receive racemic EPI, 51 were given ALB, and 48 received PLAC. Baseline characteristics and pre-enrollment symptoms, signs, and therapy were similar between groups. There were no group differences in the primary outcome measure, mean LOS (hours)(+/- SD): EPI = 59.8 (62), ALB = 61.4 (54), and PLAC = 63.3 (47); P =.95 by intent-to-treat analysis. Group differences were not statistically significant in any of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There were no group differences in the effectiveness of therapy for infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis. Based on these results, we do not recommend routine use of either nebulized EPI or ALB in this patient group.     

Comparison of nebulized adrenaline versus salbutamol in wheeze associated respiratory tract infection in infants.

OBJECTIVE: (i) To assess the efficacy of bronchodilators in wheeze associated respiratory tract infection (WRTI); and (ii) To compare L-adrenaline with salbutamol in wheeze associated respiratory tract infection. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHOD: Ninety one children in age group of 2 months to 2 years with their 1st or 2nd episode of wheezing in association with fever and/or coryza were enrolled. Of these, 45 received L-adrenaline (0.1ml/kg/dose in 1 in 10,000 solution) (Group A) and 46 received salbutamol (0.1mg/kg/dose) (Group B). Three doses of each drug were given, nebulized with oxygen at 20 minutes intervals. Respiratory rate, RDAI score, clinical status and pulse oxymetry was recorded before intervention and 10 minutes after each dose. Patients who showed significant relief were discharged after an observation period of three hours while those who did not were admitted. RESULTS: Both L-adrenaline and salbutamol caused significant improvement in mean symptom score and oxygenation. However, the adrenaline group showed a significantly better improvement in the study parameters than the salbutamol group. More children in the adrenaline group could be sent home after the emergency treatment. CONCLUSION: Adrenergic agonists both specific and non specific are beneficial in WRTI. Adrenaline is more effective than salbutamol and is thus a better, inexpensive and relatively safe alternative.     

喘乐宁空气压缩雾化治疗婴儿毛细支气管炎疗效判定

目的　应用 β2 受体激动剂治疗的急性毛细支气管炎效果一直有争议。该研究观察毛细支气管炎患儿喘乐宁雾化吸入治疗前后肺功能的变化 ,并探讨其临床意义。方法　 30例急性毛细支气管炎患儿随机分为治疗组 1 6例 (喘乐宁雾化吸入 )和对照组 1 4例 (生理盐水雾化吸入 ) ,在雾化吸入前、吸入后即刻、1 5min和 30min分别测定潮气呼吸流速容量环 (TBFV)、呼吸系统静态顺应性及阻力的变化。结果　治疗组到达潮气呼气峰流速时呼出气量 /潮气量 (%V PF)在吸入后 30min与吸入前比较 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。两组雾化后即刻 2 5 /PF、吸气时间 (Ti)差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论　喘乐宁雾化吸入后 30min可明显降低小气道阻力 ,改善通气。     

Short term effects of adrenaline in bronchiolitis: a randomised controlled trial

Background: Airway narrowing in acute bronchiolitis does not respond to inhaled bronchodilators but does to adrenaline when compared to bronchodilators. Influences of supportive care were not considered in previous treatment studies. Methods: Short term effects of nebulised adrenaline and saline placebo were compared in infants with moderately severe acute bronchiolitis. Thirty eight infants were recruited, 19 in each treatment group. After stabilisation, infants received a single 3 ml dose of either levo-adrenaline (3 mg) or 0.9% saline placebo via Pari-BABY nebuliser driven with 6 l/min oxygen for three minutes. Changes in respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI), and activity levels were assessed at 20 minutes intervals at times -20, 0, 20, 40, and 60 minutes around treatment. Respiratory virology and chest x ray were performed. Results: Supportive therapy prior to study treatment resulted in significant reductions in RR (by 4.3 breaths/min) and HR (by 4.6 beats/min); there were no changes in SpO₂ or RDAI. There were no further changes in any parameter in either treatment group at any assessment time after treatment. Conclusion: No improvement was shown with inhaled adrenaline in acute bronchiolitis, when compared with supportive care or placebo. Improvements noted pretreatment question whether prior noted improvements were through supportive care or pharmacological interventions.     

Bronchodilators for treatment of mild bronchiolitis: a factorial randomised trial.

A randomised double blind trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of inhaled bronchodilators, salbutamol and ipratropium bromide, compared with placebo in the treatment of bronchiolitis. Patients, who were 2 months to 2 years of age and without underlying cardiac or pulmonary disease, received drug 1 (salbutamol or saline placebo) followed one hour later by drug 2 (ipratropium bromide or placebo). Both agents were administered every four hours. The patients were allocated to one of four groups according to a factorial design. The four groups were similar in demographic characteristics, initial oxygenation, and clinical score. The change in oxygen saturation of recipients of both agents was significantly better than that of recipients of salbutamol alone or ipratropium bromide alone. This change, however, was not statistically different from that of the control group. No difference was observed in the clinical score or hospital duration. Inhaled bronchodilators did not improve the condition of hospitalised mild bronchiolitis.     

Randomized trial of salbutamol in acute bronchiolitis

To test whether nebulized salbutamol (albuterol) is safe and efficacious for the treatment of young children with acute bronchiolitis, we enrolled 83 children (median age 6 months, range 1 to 21 months) in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Participants received two treatments at 30-minute intervals of either nebulized salbutamol (0.10 mg/kg in 2 ml 0.9% saline solution) or a similar volume of 0.9% saline solution placebo. Outcome measures were the respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, and a clinical score based on the degree of wheezing and retractions. Patients in the salbutamol arm had significantly greater improvement in clinical scores after the initial treatment (p = 0.04). There was no difference between the groups in oxygen saturation (p = 0.74); patients treated with salbutamol had a small increase in heart rate after two treatments (159 +/- 16 vs 151 +/- 16; p = 0.03). We conclude that salbutamol is safe and effective for the initial treatment of young children with acute bronchiolitis.     

Effect of bronchodilators on respiratory resistance in infants and young children with bronchiolitis and wheezy bronchitis.

Rutter, N., Milner, A. D., and Hiller, E. J. (1975). Archives of Disease in Childhood, 50, 719. Effect of bronchodilators on respiratory resistance in infants and young children with bronchiolitis and wheezy bronchitis. Respiratory resistance was measured using a forced oscillation technique in 16 infants and young children with bronchiolitis and wheezy bronchitis. Measurements were made before and after administration of nebulized salbutamol or isoprenaline. No significant change in resistance was found.     

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.     

雾化吸入硫酸镁对哮喘患儿肺功能影响的系统评价和Meta分析

目的 系统评价雾化吸入硫酸镁对儿童哮喘急性发作的疗效和安全性。方法 检索 PubMed、Medline、EMBASE、Cochrane图书馆、中国生物医学文献数据库、万方数据库、中国知网及维普中文科技期刊数据库,检索时间均从建库至 2014年7月31日,获得雾化吸入硫酸镁治疗儿童哮喘的RCT文献。根据 Cochrane系统评价员手册推荐的方法行文献质量评价。以吸入硫酸镁后10、20 min时点肺功能作为主要结局指标,住院率、哮喘严重程度评分和不良事件作为次要结局指标。效应量以SMD及其95%CI表示,采用RevMan 软件进行Meta 分析,并根据不同肺功能指标和硫酸镁用药方式（单用或合用）行亚组分析。结果 8 篇RCT文献（n=1 161）进入Meta分析。①吸入后10 、20 min时点总体肺功能指标,硫酸镁组与对照组差异无统计学意义（10 min：SMD＝-0.32,95%CI：-0.67~0.04,P=0.08;20 min：SMD＝-0.11,95%CI：-0.40~0.17,P=0.43）。②按不同肺功能指标和硫酸镁用药方式亚组分析结果显示,吸入后10、20 min,PEF较基线增加百分比硫酸镁组显著低于沙丁胺醇组（10 min：SMD=-0.75,95%CI: -1.29~-0.22,P=0.005;20 min：SMD=-0.46,95%CI: -0.72~-0.20,P=0.006）;FEV1占预计值百分比硫酸镁+沙丁胺醇组与对照组差异无统计学意义（10 min：SMD=-0.03,95%CI：-0.52~-0.46,P=0.89;20 min：SMD＝0.04,95%CI：-0.29~0.37,P=0.81）;PEF占预计值百分比硫酸镁+沙丁胺醇组与对照组差异无统计学意义（10 min：SMD=-0.02,95%CI ：-0.23~0.19,P=0.83;20 min：SMD=0.05,95%CI： -0.31~0.42,P=0.78）。③硫酸镁组和对照组在次要结局指标方面总体上没有表现出较大的差别。结论 硫酸镁雾化吸入相较于常规雾化治疗无明显优势,单用硫酸镁雾化吸入效果不如沙丁胺醇,硫酸镁与沙丁胺醇联合雾化吸入相较于单用沙丁胺醇无明显协同作用。     

Efficacy of oral dexamethasone in outpatients with acute bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of oral dexamethasone in acute bronchiolitis. STUDY DESIGN: A double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 70 children < 24 months old in the emergency department with Respiratory Disease Assessment Instrument > or = 6. Each patient received either 1 dose of 1 mg/kg of oral dexamethasone or placebo and was assessed hourly for a 4-hour period. Repeated measures regression analysis evaluated a change in the Respiratory Assessment Change Score (RACS). RESULTS: The 2 groups had similar baseline characteristics with Respiratory Disease Assessment Inventory of 9.4 +/- 2.3 in the dexamethasone group (n = 36) and 10.0 +/- 2.7 in the placebo group (n = 34). The RACS was -5.0 +/- 3.1 in the dexamethasone group and -3.2 +/- 3.7 in the placebo group (P =.029). Poor RACS occurred in 41% and 17% of the placebo and dexamethasone groups, respectively (P =.034). Of the children treated with dexamethasone, 19% were hospitalized compared with 44% in the placebo group (P =.039). There was no difference in RACS between the groups on day 7 (P =.75). CONCLUSION: Outpatients with moderate-to-severe acute bronchiolitis derive significant clinical and hospitalization benefit from oral dexamethasone treatment in the initial 4 hours of therapy.     

Effect of salbutamol on respiratory mechanics in bronchiolitis

The effect of inhaled bronchodilators in bronchiolitis has been difficult to evaluate due to problems with techniques for assessing respiratory function in infants. Two new techniques were used to assess the response to inhaled salbutamol in 17 infants with bronchiolitis. With one technique, expiratory flow, volume, and airway occlusion pressure were measured and used to derive compliance (Crs) and conductance (Grs) of the respiratory system from a passive expiration induced by a brief end-inspiratory airway occlusion. With the other technique, the maximum flow at functional residual capacity (VmaxFRC) was measured from a partial maximum expiratory flow-volume curve generated by external chest compression. For the group, there was no change in compliance or conductance after salbutamol, but salbutamol caused a fall in maximum flow at functional residual capacity (p less than 0.01) and in the time constant of tidal expiration (p less than 0.01). The decrease in maximum flow at functional residual capacity with salbutamol is consistent with increased airway collapse on forced expiration. The decrease in tidal time constant suggests that the drug decreases expiratory braking. Presence of such braking activity may be an important strategy for maintaining lung volume. In summary, salbutamol failed to produce a beneficial effect on airways in bronchiolitis, but did produce changes in expiration which may be harmful in some infants.     

Prospective randomized double-blind study comparing L-epinephrine and racemic epinephrine aerosols in the treatment of laryngotracheitis (croup).

Aerosolized racemic epinephrine, but not L-epinephrine, is commonly used in treating croup. The efficacy and adverse effects of nebulized racemic and L-epinephrine in the treatment of laryngotracheitis were compared. Children 6 months to 6 years of age with a croup score of 6 or above were assigned in a randomized double-blind fashion to receive either racemic (n = 16) or L-epinephrine (n = 15) aerosols. Croup score, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, fraction of inspired oxygen, and oxygen saturation were recorded before treatment and at 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the aerosol. Patients in both groups showed significant transient reduction of the croup score and respiratory rate following the aerosol (P less than .001), but there were no differences between treatment groups when croup score, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate were assessed over time. It is concluded that L-epinephrine is at least as effective as racemic epinephrine in the treatment of laryngotracheitis and does not carry the risk of additional adverse effects. L-Epinephrine is also more readily available worldwide, is less expensive, and can be recommended for this purpose.     

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.     

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.     

Effect of oral and inhaled salbutamol in infants with bronchiolitis

The response of bronchiolitis to bronchodilator drugs is controversial. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of oral or metered dose inhaler (MDI) salbutamol using a coffee cup as a spacer device in bronchiolitis. In the trial, 31 hospitalized patients between 6 and 24 months of age, who exhibited the first episode of acute bronchiolitis without any other predisposing illness such as cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease etc., were randomly assigned to receive oral salbutamol (n=11, 0.1 mg/kg per dose, four times a day), or MDI salbutamol (n = 12, 200 μg per dose, every 3 h) or formed the control group without any bronchodilator therapy (n = 8). All of the patients were given supplemental oxygen as needed and adequate hydration was maintained. The patients were evaluated with clinical symptom scores. There were no differences in the beneficial or side effects of salbutamol, or the number of days in hospital between the treatment groups and the control group. It was concluded that there is no beneficial effect in using bronchodilators in infants with bronchiolitis. Supplemental oxygen and maintenance of normal hydration may be adequate.     

The efficacy of nebulized salbutamol,magnesium sulfate,and salbutamol/magnesium sulfate combination in moderate bronchiolitis

The aim of this paper is to compare the effect of nebulized magnesium sulfate to nebulized salbutamol and salbutamol/magnesium sulfate on successful discharge from the emergency department. A total of 56 infants were included in this double-blinded, prospective study. Infants were grouped according to the nebulized treatment they received: group 1—salbutamol/normal saline, group 2—magnesium sulfate and normal saline, and group 3—salbutamol plus magnesium sulfate. Heart beat, bronchiolitis, clinical severity scores (CSS), and oxygen saturation of the patients were determined before and after nebulization (0, 1, 4 h). The patients were monitored for adverse reactions. Post-treatment mean CSS results were significantly lower than pre-treatment scores in all groups at 4 h with no significant difference within groups. CSS scores were lower in the salbutamol/magnesium sulfate group when compared with the magnesium sulfate and salbutamol groups (3.4 (2.4–4.3), 4.7 (3.8–5.7), 4.0 (3.2–4.3)). CSS were significantly lower than those from the magnesium sulfate group. Conclusion: Nebulized magnesium sulfate plus salbutamol may have additive effects for improving the short-term CSS.     

Efficacy of nebulized budesonide compared to oral prednisolone in acute bronchial asthma

To evaluate the efficacy of nebulized budesonide compared to oral prednisolone early in the emergency room management of acute asthma, we conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eighty children, 2 years to 12 years of age, with acute moderate attacks of asthma, were randomized into two groups. One group received nebulized salbutamol (0.15 mg/kg) and placebo at half-hourly intervals for three doses, and a single dose of oral prednisolone (2 mg/kg) (prednisolone group) and other group received three doses of nebulized salbutamol and budesonide (800 microg) at half-hourly intervals and a single dose of placebo tablets (budesonide group). The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar, but after three doses of nebulization oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, pulmonary index and respiratory distress score were significantly improved in the budesonide group compared to prednisolone group (p < 0.01). The proportion of patients who were fit for discharge at the end of 2 h after the third dose of nebulization was significantly higher in the budesonide group than in the prednisolone group (22/ 41, 54% vs 7/39, 18%, p < 0.001). The data suggest that a combination of nebulized salbutamol and budesonide should be preferred in the emergency room management of children with acute moderate to severe exacerbation of asthma and who are not on prior oral or inhaled steroid therapy.