Previously published randomised controlled trials of inhaled steroids for the reduction of wheezing after bronchiolitis
| Reference | Inclusion criteria | Study groups | Sample size | Results | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maayan et al198639 | Recurrent wheeze after bronchiolitis in infants aged 3–9 months (mean 4 months) after bronchiolitis | Nebulised beclomethasone—100 μg tid for two weeks or placebo | 9 (crossover) | Decreased respiratory rate, clinical score, and improved pulmonary mechanics in steroid treated group | May have included patients with atopic asthma rather than acute bronchiolitis |
| Carlsen et al198840 | Age 6 months to 2 years. Previous hospitalisation with bronchiolitis and at least one subsequent episode of wheezing | Nebulised beclomethasone—100 μg qid for two weeks then 100 μg bid for six weeks or placebo | 44 (two groups) | Decreased number of symptom episodes and reduced requirement for treatment in steroid treated group | May have included patients with atopic asthma rather than acute bronchiolitis |
| Reijonen et al 199641 | < 2 years old. Hospitalised with bronchiolitis | Nebulised budesonide—500 μg bid for eight weeks then 250 μg bid for eight weeks, or sodium cromoglycate, or placebo | 100 (three groups) | Decreased number of symptom episodes and reduced numbers of hospital admissions in steroid treated group | No significant differences between study groups if atopic patients removed |