Intermittent vs Continuous Pulse Oximetry in Hospitalized Infants With Stabilized Bronchiolitis

Abstract

Importance

There is low level of evidence and substantial practice variation regarding the use of intermittent or continuous monitoring in infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis.

Objective

To compare the effect of intermittent vs continuous pulse oximetry on clinical outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, pragmatic randomized clinical trial included infants 4 weeks to 24 months of age who were hospitalized with bronchiolitis from November 1, 2016, to May 31, 2019, with or without supplemental oxygen after stabilization at community and children’s hospitals in Ontario, Canada.

Interventions

Intermittent (every 4 hours, n = 114) or continuous (n = 115) pulse oximetry, using an oxygen saturation target of 90% or higher.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was length of hospital stay from randomization to discharge. Secondary outcomes included length of stay from inpatient unit admission to discharge and outcomes measured from randomization: medical interventions, safety (intensive care unit transfer and revisits), parent anxiety and workdays missed, and nursing satisfaction.

Lead Researchers

Link to Publication

Researchers

  1. Nick Barrowman

    Associate Scientist, CHEO Research Institute

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