Epidemiology, Clinical, and Laboratory Characteristics of Bronchiolitis in Hospitalized Children

Bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in infants, which is often due to respiratory syncytial virus. The treatment is supportive; therefore, epidemiology, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings can help to prevent inappropriate use of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, and laboratory characteristics of bronchiolitis in hospitalized children. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 117 patients with the bronchiolitis who with one to 24 months old who were hospitalized in Ali-Ebne Abitaleb Hospital of Zahedan, Iran, from December 1, 2011 to December 1, 2013. The participants were included according to the clinical diagnostic criteria. We tried to select the patients from the same demographic characteristics and health condition. Based on exclusion criteria, 17 patients were excluded from the study. Demographic, radiologic, and laboratory data were recorded in separate data forms were analyzed by SPSS 21. A total of 117 patients were recruited, 57% were male and 43% female. The most common age at disease onset was one to six months old. Winter was the most common season for bronchiolitis. The most common clinical signs were cough, wheezing, rhinorrhea, fever, and dyspnea, consecutively. In radiologic studies, hyperinflation was the most prevalent finding. Leukocytosis was seen in 67% of patients. We can prevent inappropriate use of antibiotics in bronchiolitis with early diagnosis and supportive measures. Moreover, we obtain symptoms of bronchiolitis in southeastern Iran.