Archives of disease in childhood
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effect of salbutamol on oxygen saturation in bronchiolitis.
Inhaled sympathomimetic agents are often used in bronchiolitis with little objective evidence of benefit. The arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) reflects the adequacy of ventilation-perfusion balance. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of inhaled salbutamol on SaO2. ⋯ The fall in SaO2 after saline was seen when given first, but not when given after salbutamol. The decrease in SaO2 was greater and more prolonged with salbutamol than with saline. Routine nebulised aerosol sympathomimetic treatment during acute bronchiolitis cannot be recommended.