Inhaled magnesium versus inhaled salbutamol in rescue treatment for moderate and severe asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of inhaled Magnesium Sulfate associated with Salbutamol versus Inhaled Salbutamol alone in patients with moderate and severe asthma exacerbations. METHOD: Clinical, prospective and randomized study with patients between 3 and 14 years of age divided into two groups: one to receive inhaled salbutamol associated with magnesium sulfate (GSM), the other to receive inhaled salbutamol alone (GS). The sample consisted of 40 patients, 20 patients in each group. Severity was classified using the modified Wood-Downes score, with values between 4 and 7 classified as moderate and 8 or more classified as severe. RESULTS: Post-inhalation scores decreased both in patients who received salbutamol and magnesium and in those who received salbutamol alone, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the benefits when administered intravenously, inhalation of the drug alone or in combination did not reduce the severity of the exacerbation.

The Beta2-adrenergic agonist salbutamol synergizes with paclitaxel on cell proliferation and tumor growth in triple negative breast cancer models.

PURPOSE: Globally breast cancer accounts for 24.5% in incidence and 15.5% in cancer deaths in women. The triple-negative subtype lacks any specific therapy and is treated with chemotherapy, resulting in significant side-effects. We aimed to investigate if the dose of chemotherapeutic drugs could be diminished by co-administering it with the ß2-agonist salbutamol. METHODS: Cell proliferation was measured by thymidine incorporation; gene expression, by real-time PCR and protein phosphorylation by WB. Apoptosis was assessed by acridine orange / ethidium bromide and TUNEL tests. Public patient databases were consulted. Cells were inoculated to nude mice and their growth assessed. RESULTS: The ß2-agonist salbutamol synergizes in MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro with paclitaxel and doxorubicin on cell proliferation through ADRB2 receptors, while the ß-blocker propranolol does not. The expression of this receptor was assessed in patient databases and other cell lines. Triple negative samples had the lowest expression. Salbutamol and paclitaxel decreased MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation while their combination further inhibited it. The pathways involved were analyzed. When these cells were inoculated to nude mice, paclitaxel and salbutamol inhibited tumor growth. The combined effect was significantly greater. Paclitaxel increased the expression of MDR1 while salbutamol partially reversed this increase. CONCLUSION: While the effect of salbutamol was mainly on cell proliferation, suboptimal concentrations of paclitaxel provoked a very important enhancement of apoptosis. The latter enhanced transporter proteins as MDR1, whose expression were diminished by salbutamol. The expression of ADRB2 should be assessed in the biopsy or tumor to eventually select patients that could benefit from salbutamol repurposing.

Effect of stress on the chronotropic and inotropic responses to ß-adrenergic agonists in isolated atria of KOß2 mice.

Altered sensitivity to the chronotropic and inotropic effects of catecholamines and reduction in ß1/ß2-adrenoceptor (ß1/ß2-AR) ratio were reported in failing and in senescent human heart, as well as in isolated atria and ventricle of rats submitted to stress. This was due to downregulation of ß1-AR with or without up-regulation of ß2-AR. AIMS: To investigate the stress-induced behavior of ß1-AR in the heart of mice expressing a non-functional ß2-AR subtype. The guiding hypothesis is that the absence of ß2-AR signaling will not affect the behavior of ß1-AR during stress and that those are independent processes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chronotropic and inotropic responses to ß-AR agonists in isolated atria of stressed mice expressing a non-functional ß2-AR were analyzed. The mRNA and protein expressions of ß1- and ß2-AR were also determined. KEY FINDINGS: No deaths were observed in mice under stress protocol. Atria of stressed mice displayed reduced sensitivity to isoprenaline compared to the controls, an effect that was abolished by the ß2- and ß1-AR antagonists 50 nM ICI118,551 and 300 nM CGP20712A, respectively. Sensitivity and maximum response to the ß-agonists dobutamine and salbutamol were not altered by stress or ICI118,551. The responses to dobutamine and salbutamol were prevented by CGP20712A. The expression of ß1-AR was reduced at protein levels. SIGNIFICANCE: Collectively, our data provide evidence that the cardiac ß2-AR is not essential for survival in a stressful situation and that the stress-induced reduction of ß1-AR expression was independent of the ß2-AR presence.

Evaluating the Clinical Impact of a Novel Pediatric Emergency Medicine Curriculum on Asthma Outcomes in Belize.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory-related complaints prompt most pediatric visits to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority's (KHMHA) Emergency Department (ED) in Belize. We developed and taught a novel pediatric respiratory emergencies module for generalist practitioners there. We assessed the curriculum's clinical impact on pediatric asthma emergency management. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the clinical impact of a pediatric emergency medicine curriculum on management of pediatric asthma emergencies at KHMHA in Belize City, Belize. METHODS: We conducted a randomized chart review of pediatric (aged 2-16 y) visits for asthma-related diagnosis at the KHMHA ED between 2015 and 2018 to assess the training module's clinical impact. Primary outcomes included time to albuterol and steroids. Secondary outcomes included clinical scoring tool (Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure [PRAM]) usage, ED length of stay, usage of chest radiography, return visit within 7 days, and hospital admission rates. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression were used. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-three pediatric asthma-related diagnoses met our inclusion criteria. The patients treated by trained and untrained physician groups were demographically and clinically similar. The time to albuterol was significantly faster in the trained (intervention) group compared with the untrained (control) physician group when evaluating baseline of the group posttraining (P < 0.05). However, the time to steroids did not reach statistical significance posttraining (P = 0.93). The PRAM score utilization significantly increased among both control group and intervention group. The untrained physician group was more likely to use chest radiography or admit patients. The trained physician group had higher return visit rates within 7 days and shorter ED length of stay, but this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The curriculum positively impacted clinical outcomes leading to earlier albuterol administration, increased PRAM score use, obtaining less chest radiographs, and decreased admission rates. The timeliness of systemic steroid administration was unaffected.

Impact of the updating of clinical guidelines for RSV bronchiolitis on the use of diagnostic testing and medications in tertiary hospitals in Colombia.

Introduction: the incidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection and their variability in the clinical management, make this disease a candidate for monitoring adequate use of resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the updating of clinical guidelines for RSV bronchiolitis on the use of diagnostic testing and medications in tertiary hospitals in Colombia. Methods: we performed a cross-sectional study, evaluating the frequencies of drug prescription and medical tests, before (January-December 2016) and after (January to December 2019) of updating and dissemination of a new protocol for the treatment of RSV bronchiolitis in two tertiary hospitals in Colombia. Results: a total of 108 patients with RSV bronchiolitis were included. The demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations were similar in both groups. The length of hospital stays was similar in both groups. We did not find statistically significant differences in the frequency of medical tests. There was a decrease in the use of salbutamol (67.3% pre-protocol vs 51.8% post-protocol; P < .01). There were also significant reductions in the use of nebulized hypertonic saline solution (91.6% vs 82.6% P = 0.004). Conclusion: our results demonstrate that the updating of clinical guidelines for RSV bronchiolitis was effective, as it achieved decreases in the use of bronchodilators and nebulized hypertonic saline solution. It is necessary to continue developing new strategies targeted to increase adherence to guidelines and evaluate the impact on the use of resources.

Comparison of the Microhardness of Surface Enamel Exposed to Anti-asthmatic Inhalants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of anti-asthmatic inhalers salbutamol and budesonide on the surface microhardness of bovine tooth enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was experimental, prospective, longitudinal, and comparative. The sample consisted of permanent mandibular incisors, which were prepared in (n = 90) blocks of dental enamel of size 3 × 3 mm and 2 mm thick, separated into 6 groups of 15 specimens each in sterile bottles properly labeled and contained in artificial saliva at 37°C. Three measurements (baseline, 5 days, and 10 days) were performed after immersion to determine the microhardness using a Vickers microdurometer programmed to apply a load of 100 gm for 15 seconds. RESULTS: It was observed that the enamel surface microhardness decreased after 5 and 10 days, after being in contact with the anti-asthmatic inhalers based on salbutamol and budesonide. In addition, it was evidenced that there is a greater decrease in the superficial microhardness of the enamel when comparing the values at the beginning and after 10 days; likewise, the reduction in the microhardness of enamel exposed to budesonide was greater (120.8 kg/mm2) compared to salbutamol (112.3 kg/mm2) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The two anti-asthmatic inhalers studied decreased superficial enamel microhardness, with the budesonide-based inhaler having a greater erosive effect. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This research allowed us to know the values of the microhardness of the superficial enamel after being exposed to different anti-asthmatic inhalers that are indicated in daily clinical practice. Therefore, it is important to evaluate this microhardness since the use of different inhalers is very prevalent.

Variation in Prehospital Protocols for Pediatric Respiratory Distress Management in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare statewide emergency medical services protocols for the management of pediatric respiratory distress. METHODS: We performed a descriptive study of emergency medical services protocols for the management of pediatric respiratory distress in the United States, excluding those without model or mandatory protocols. We compared medication recommendations for specific disease processes, including asthma, croup, epiglottitis, anaphylaxis, generalized respiratory distress, intubation, and drug assisted intubation. RESULTS: Thirty-four state protocols were included. All had protocols to address the management of pediatric respiratory distress. There was high agreement in albuterol use for bronchospasm and epinephrine use in anaphylaxis. Epinephrine was recommended in all anaphylaxis protocols, 27 croup protocols (79%), and 3 epiglottitis protocols (9%). Six states (18%) called for albuterol in patients with generalized respiratory distress. Steroid recommendations and indications had variance among states; 26 states (76%) allowed steroid use in patients with asthma, 19 states (56%) recommended steroid use in anaphylaxis, and 11 (32%) recommended steroid use in croup protocols. The route for steroid administration also varied among protocols. Five states (15%) allowed continuous positive airway pressure application in pediatric patients, whereas endotracheal intubation and rapid sequence intubations had varying requirements as well as recommendations for use. Twelve (35%) listed impending or current respiratory failure as an indication, whereas other states had specific markers, such as Glasgow Coma Scale or oxygen saturation, as indications. CONCLUSIONS: All included states had specific recommendations for the management of pediatric respiratory distress. There was consistency in recommendations for albuterol use for wheezing and epinephrine use for anaphylaxis. However, there was wide variability in other uses for epinephrine, steroid administration, continuous positive airway pressure use, and specific treatments for croup and epiglottitis. The findings of this study provide a base for important future evidence-based protocol developments and changes in prehospital pediatric respiratory distress treatment.

Association between beta-2 adrenergic receptor variants and clinical outcomes in children and adolescents with acute asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether different genotypes of p.Arg16Gly, p.Gln27Glu, p.Arg19Cys and p.Thr164Ile variants interfere in response to treatment in children and adolescents with moderate to severe acute asthma. METHODS: This sample comprised patients aged 2 to 17 years with a history of at least two wheezing episodes and current moderate to severe asthma exacerbation. All patients received multiple doses of albuterol and ipratropium bromide delivered via pressurized metered-dose inhaler with holding chamber and systemic corticosteroids. Hospital admission was defined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were changes in forced expiratory volume in the first second after 1 hour of treatment, and for outpatients, length of stay in the emergency room. Variants were genotyped by sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were evaluated. Hospital admission rates were significantly higher in carriers of the genotype AA relative to those with genotype AG or GG, within the p.Arg16Gly variant (p=0.03, test χ2, alpha=0.05). Secondary outcomes did not differ between genotypes. CONCLUSION: Hospital admission rates were significantly higher among carriers of the genotype AA within the p.Arg16Gly variant. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01323010.

Association between beta-2 adrenergic receptor variants and clinical outcomes in children and adolescents with acute asthma

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate whether different genotypes of p.Arg16Gly, p.Gln27Glu, p.Arg19Cys and p.Thr164Ile variants interfere in response to treatment in children and adolescents with moderate to severe acute asthma. Methods This sample comprised patients aged 2 to 17 years with a history of at least two wheezing episodes and current moderate to severe asthma exacerbation. All patients received multiple doses of albuterol and ipratropium bromide delivered via pressurized metered-dose inhaler with holding chamber and systemic corticosteroids. Hospital admission was defined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were changes in forced expiratory volume in the first second after 1 hour of treatment, and for outpatients, length of stay in the emergency room. Variants were genotyped by sequencing. Results A total of 60 patients were evaluated. Hospital admission rates were significantly higher in carriers of the genotype AA relative to those with genotype AG or GG, within the p.Arg16Gly variant (p=0.03, test χ2, alpha=0.05). Secondary outcomes did not differ between genotypes. Conclusion Hospital admission rates were significantly higher among carriers of the genotype AA within the p.Arg16Gly variant. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01323010

Reacciones adversas por salbutamol en pacientes asmáticos: reflexiones acerca del uso en las exacerbaciones / Adverse reactions from salbutamol in asthmatic patients: reflections on its use and exacerbations / Reações adversas ao salbutamol em pacientes asmáticos: reflexões sobre o seu uso e exacerbações

Las afecciones respiratorias agudas son la primera causa de consulta e ingreso hospitalario en los meses de invierno, y entre ellas el asma ocupa un lugar preponderante. El salbutamol es un broncodilatador con eficacia demostrada en las exacerbaciones y se utiliza de primera línea en el tratamiento. El objetivo de la presente comunicación es analizar dos casos clínicos de niños asmáticos que presentaron efectos adversos al salbutamol y requirieron el ingreso en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. Se propone revisar los efectos adversos del salbutamol empleado en crisis asmáticas y analizar las alternativas terapéuticas en esta enfermedad. Los síntomas de los efectos secundarios pueden confundirse con los causados por la propia enfermedad, por lo que puede usarse el fármaco de modo excesivo y es importante conocer el perfil posológico y caracterizar los posibles efectos secundarios en los pacientes para usar de manera racional y segura este medicamento.

Acute respiratory conditions are the first cause of consultation and hospital admission in the Winter months, being asthma the most important. Salbutamol is a bronchodilator with proven efficacy in exacerbations used first-line in treatment. The objective of this paper is to analyze two clinical cases of asthmatic children who presented adverse effects to salbutamol and required admission to the Intensive Care Unit. It is proposed to review the adverse effects of salbutamol used in asthmatic crises and to analyze therapeutic alternatives in this disease. Symptoms of side effects can be confused with those caused by the disease itself, determining the excessive use of this drug, thus, it is important to know the dosage profile and characterize the possible side effects to make rational and safe use of this drug.

As doenças respiratórias agudas são a primeira causa de consultas e internações nos meses de inverno e a asma ocupa é a mais importante. O salbutamol é um broncodilatador com eficácia comprovada nas exacerbações e é usado como tratamento de primeira linha. O objetivo desta comunicação é analisar dois casos clínicos de crianças asmáticas que apresentaram efeitos adversos ao salbutamol e necessitaram de internação em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Propõe-se revisar os efeitos adversos do salbutamol utilizado na crise asmática e analisar as alternativas terapêuticas nessa doença. Os sintomas de efeitos colaterais podem ser confundidos com os causados pela própria doença, determinando o uso excessivo desse medicamento, sendo importante conhecer o perfil posológico e caracterizar os possíveis efeitos colaterais nos pacientes para fazer um uso racional e seguro desse medicamento.

Efficacy and safety of combined doxofylline and salbutamol in treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of combined doxofylline and salbutamol in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: A total of 68 acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were randomly divided into control group (34 cases) and experimental group (34 cases), who received the doxofylline treatment and combined doxofylline and salbutamol treatment for 1 week, respectively. During the treatment, the remission time of typical respiratory manifestations was recorded, and the adverse reactions were observed. At the end of treatment, the treatment efficacy was evaluated. Before and after treatment, the pulmonary function indexes and serological indicators were detected. RESULTS: After treatment, compared with control group, in experimental group, the effective rate of treatment was significantly increased (p<0.05), the remission time of typical respiratory manifestations was significantly shortened (p<0.05), the pulmonary function indexes were significantly improved (p<0.05), the serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and cystatin C levels were significantly decreased, respectively (p<0.05), and the serum prealbumin level was significantly increased (p<0.05). In addition, the adverse reaction rate had no significant difference between two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the combined use of doxofylline and salbutamol can quickly relieve the respiratory symptoms, mitigate the pulmonary dysfunction, and reduce the inflammatory response, thus promoting the outcome of patients.

Bronchodilator response to albuterol nebulized with hypertonic saline in asthmatic children.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is distinguished by bronchial obstruction reversible by bronchodilators. The first-line treatment for asthmatic exacerbations is the use of inhaled beta-agonists, by pressurized metered-dose inhalers or nebulized with normal saline solution (NSS). There are no reports of nebulized beta agonists' efficacy in asthmatic children when administered with hypertonic saline solution (HSS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bronchodilator responses (BDR) to albuterol nebulized with 3%-HSS in asthmatic children, compared to albuterol nebulized with NSS. POPULATION AND METHODS: In a prospective, experimental, double-blind, randomized clinical study, children with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma with mild or moderate bronchial obstruction (FEV1 40%-79% of predicted) were randomized to receive a nebulization with 2.5 mg of albuterol diluted in 3 cc of 3%-HSS or NSS (0.9%), by means of a jet nebulizer. After 30 min, the BDR was assessed. RESULTS: Fifty patients (mean age 12.0 ± 3 years, 29 males) were enrolled; 25 were randomized to the 3%-HSS group (FEV1 65.2% ± 10) and 25 to the NSS group (FEV1 69.1% ± 7.1). The BDR of FEV1 was 41.2% (SD: ±20.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.1-50.4) and 17.3% (SD: ±19.4; 95% CI: 9.7-24.9) (p < .0001) and of maximum mid-expiratory flow was 130% (SD: ±90.8; 95% CI: 94.6-166) and 69.8% (SD: ±72.5; 95% CI: 41.4-98.2) (p < .01), for the 3%-HSS and NSS groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Albuterol produces a greater BDR when nebulized with 3%-HSS compared to NSS in asthmatic children with mild or moderate bronchial obstruction.

Efficacy and safety of combined doxofylline and salbutamol in treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of combined doxofylline and salbutamol in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: A total of 68 acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were randomly divided into control group (34 cases) and experimental group (34 cases), who received the doxofylline treatment and combined doxofylline and salbutamol treatment for 1 week, respectively. During the treatment, the remission time of typical respiratory manifestations was recorded, and the adverse reactions were observed. At the end of treatment, the treatment efficacy was evaluated. Before and after treatment, the pulmonary function indexes and serological indicators were detected. RESULTS: After treatment, compared with control group, in experimental group, the effective rate of treatment was significantly increased (p<0.05), the remission time of typical respiratory manifestations was significantly shortened (p<0.05), the pulmonary function indexes were significantly improved (p<0.05), the serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and cystatin C levels were significantly decreased, respectively (p<0.05), and the serum prealbumin level was significantly increased (p<0.05). In addition, the adverse reaction rate had no significant difference between two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the combined use of doxofylline and salbutamol can quickly relieve the respiratory symptoms, mitigate the pulmonary dysfunction, and reduce the inflammatory response, thus promoting the outcome of patients.

[Guideline on diagnosis and treatment: bronchial asthma in children ≥ 6 years old. Update 2021]. / Guía de diagnóstico y tratamiento: asma bronquial en niños ≥ 6 años. Actualización 2021.

In 1995, the first Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment for Childhood Asthma was published in Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría. Updates were made in 2007 and 2016. After 5 years, the new contents are presented. The most relevant modifications, although not the only ones, are observed in therapeutic strategies. In this version, treatment is stratified into "levels" (1 to 5). The current paradigm of change in chronic asthma treatment consists in eradicating the prescription of bronchodilators (salbutamol) on demand. Besides that, the option of intermittent treatment with inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting bronchodilators (LABA) appears for milder forms (levels 1 and 2) in children > 12 years old. There is still not enough evidence to support these options in<12 years old maintaining the previous recommendations in this group. For more details we suggest reading the full document.

En 1995 se publicó en Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría la primera "Guía de diagnóstico y tratamiento: asma bronquial en niños". En 2007 y 2016 se realizaron actualizaciones. Luego de 5 años se presentan los nuevos contenidos. Las modificaciones más relevantes, aunque no las únicas, se observan en las estrategias terapéuticas. En esta versión se estratifica el tratamiento en "niveles" (1 a 5). El paradigma de cambio en el tratamiento crónico del asma consiste en erradicar la prescripción de broncodilatadores (salbutamol) a demanda, por un lado, y por otro, aparece la opción de tratamiento combinado intermitente con corticoides inhalados y broncodilatadores acción prolongada (LABA) para las formas más leves (niveles 1 y 2), en niños de 12 años o mayores. Aún no se dispone de suficiente evidencia que avale estas opciones en menores de 12 años, por lo que se mantienen las normativas previas vigentes en este grupo. Para más detalles, sugerimos la lectura del documento completo.

For which infants with viral bronchiolitis could it be deemed appropriate to use albuterol, at least on a therapeutic trial basis?

Although there is increasing evidence showing that infants with viral bronchiolitis exhibit a high degree of heterogeneity, a core uncertainty shared by many clinicians is with regard to understanding which patients are most likely to benefit from bronchodilators such as albuterol. Based on our review, we concluded that older infants with rhinovirus (RV) bronchiolitis, especially those with a nasopharyngeal microbiome dominated by Haemophilus influenzae; those affected during nonpeak months or during non-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) predominant months; those with wheezing at presentation; those with clinical characteristics such as atopic dermatitis or a family history of asthma in a first-degree relative; and those infants infected with RSV genotypes ON1 and BA, have the greatest likelihood of benefiting from albuterol. Presently, this patient profile could serve as the basis for rational albuterol administration in patients with viral bronchiolitis, at least on a therapeutic trial basis, and it could also be the starting point for future targeted randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the use of albuterol among a subset of infants with bronchiolitis.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of phenotypic-guided versus guidelines-guided bronchodilator therapy in viral bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVES: Although recent evidence suggests that management of viral bronchiolitis requires something other than guidelines-guided therapy, there is a lack of evidence supporting the economic benefits of phenotypic-guided bronchodilator therapy for treating this disease. The aim of the present study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of phenotypic-guided versus guidelines-guided bronchodilator therapy in infants with viral bronchiolitis. METHODS: A decision analysis model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of phenotypic-guided versus guidelines-guided bronchodilator therapy in infants with viral bronchiolitis. Phenotypic-guided bronchodilator therapy was defined as the administration of albuterol in infants exhibiting a profile of increased likelihood of response to bronchodilators. The effectiveness parameters and costs of the model were obtained from systematic reviews of the literature with meta-analyses and electronic medical records. The main outcome was the avoidance of hospital admission after initial care in the emergency department. RESULTS: Compared to guidelines-guided strategy, treating patients with viral bronchiolitis with the phenotypic-guided bronchodilator therapy strategy was associated with lower total costs (US$250.99; 95% uncertainty interval [UI]: US$184.37 to $336.51 vs. US$263.46; 95% UI: US$189.81 to $349.19 average cost per patient) and a higher probability of avoidance of hospital admission (0.7902; 95% UI: 0.7315-0.8356 vs. 0.7638; 95% UI: 0.7062-0.8201), thus leading to dominance. Results were robust to deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to guidelines-guided strategy, treating infants with viral bronchiolitis using the phenotypic-guided bronchodilator therapy strategy is a more cost-effective strategy, because it involves a lower probability of hospital admission at lower total treatment costs.

A comparative analysis of the bronchodilatador response measured by impulse oscillometry and spirometry in asthmatic children living at high altitude.

OBJECTIVE: Although the assessment of a bronchodilator response (BDR) is a routine and important procedure when performing lung function tests, comparisons between spirometric and oscillometric BDRs in asthmatic children living at high altitude have not been previously reported. The aim of the present study was to compare spirometric and oscillometric BDRs in children living at high altitude, and to identify independent predictors of spirometric and oscillometric BDRs. METHODS: Between January and December, 2015, asthmatic children aged between 5 and 17 years old performed impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry during the same visit before and after albuterol administration. The data were analyzed, and children were classified into those positive for oscillometric BDR only, those positive for spirometric BDR only, those positive for both BDRs, and those negative for both BDRs. RESULTS: Ninety-three asthmatic children (56 boys, 37 girls), with a median (IQR) age of 11 (8-13) years, made up the study population. Among the total of 93 participants, 13 (14.0%), 4 (4.3%), 0 (0%), and 76 (81.7%) were positive for spirometric BDR only, positive for oscillometric BDR only, positive for both BDRs, and negative for both BDRs, respectively. Age and baseline lung function were identified as significant predictors of positive spirometric BDR. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows poor concordance between positive spirometric and oscillometric BDRs, with a greater proportion of patients with a spirometric BDR when compared to those with positive oscillometric BDR. Additionally, age and baseline lung function are useful for predicting spirometric BDR results.