Systemic Corticosteroids for Bronchiolitis in Children Aged Less than Two Years: A Systematic Review

Bronchiolitis is the main cause of lower respiratory tract infection during the first year of life. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of bronchiolitis in children aged less than two years during their first hospitalization.

This systematic review was conducted via searching in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until August 2019. Randomized clinical trials regarding the effects of systemic corticosteroids on children with bronchiolitis aged less than two years were evaluated in the retrieved studies. The quality of the studies was assessed based on the Jadad scale.

Three studies were included in this systematic review. In two studies, dexamethasone versus placebo were used, and in one study, prednisolone was applied. In one study, use of dexamethasone versus placebo resulted in the faster resolution of respiratory distress, shorter duration of respiratory distress syndrome, reduced oxygen therapy time, and reduced length of hospital stay. In another study, children receiving treatment with dexamethasone had no significant difference in the clinical score, respiratory rate, and pulmonary function compared to the control group. In another study, use of prednisolone within two weeks led to the partial improvement of rhinitis, wheezing, breathing problems, nocturnal respiratory symptoms, and coughing. However, no significant difference was observed between the prednisolone treatment and control groups after 12 months.

Despite the improvements in respiratory symptoms, evidence is scarce regarding the effectiveness of systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of bronchiolitis in children aged less than two years. Therefore, well-designed randomized clinical trials on large sample sizes are required in this regard.