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Comparison of a rapid albuterol pathway with a standard pathway for the treatment of children with a moderate to severe asthma exacerbation in the emergency department.
- Source :
-
Journal of Asthma . Mar2018, Vol. 55 Issue 3, p244-251. 8p. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if a rapid albuterol delivery pathway with a breath-enhanced nebulizer can reduce emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS), while maintaining admission rates and side effects, when compared to a traditional asthma pathway with a standard jet nebulizer.Methods: Children aged 3–18 presenting to a large urban pediatric ED for asthma were enrolled if they were determined by pediatric asthma score to have a moderate to severe exacerbation. Subjects were randomized to either a standard treatment arm where they received up to 2 continuous albuterol nebulizations, or a rapid albuterol arm where they received up to 4 rapid albuterol treatments with a breath-enhanced nebulizer, depending on severity scoring. The primary endpoint was ED LOS from enrollment until disposition decision. Asthma scores, albuterol dose, side effects, and return visits were also recorded.Results: A total of 50 subjects were enrolled (25 in each arm). The study LOS was shorter in the rapid albuterol group (118 vs. 163 minutes,p= 0.0002). When total ED LOS was analyzed, the difference was no longer statistically significant (192 vs. 203 minutes,p= 0.65). There were no statistically significant differences with respect to admission rates, asthma score changes, side effects, or return visits.Conclusion: A rapid albuterol treatment pathway that utilizes a breath-enhanced nebulizer is an effective alternative to traditional pathways that utilize continuous nebulizations for children with moderate to severe asthma exacerbations in the ED. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 02770903
- Volume :
- 55
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Asthma
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 128182072
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2017.1323920