Bronchiolitis in preterm children: A study of 52 cases

Abstract

Bronchiolitis is common in premature infants and is often severe. We have carried out this work to study the epidemiological profile of bronchiolitis in premature infants, its clinical and paraclinical features, its management and its evolutionary profile. 52 cases of premature bronchiolitis have been collected. 28.8% were very premature babies. The sex ratio M/F was 2.7. 61.53% presented with neonatal respiratory distress, 11.53% received surfactant and 9.6% were ventilated. 40% were less than 3 months old and 28.8% hypotrophs. Bronchiolitis was severe in 75% of cases. A stay in a pediatric intensive care unit was necessary in 25 cases from the outset and 6 secondarily. 11 required assisted ventilation. During follow-up, 13 patients were diagnosed with asthma. Death occurred in 13.5% of cases.