Introduction: Inhalations of hypertonic saline is a known therapy for infants diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis. Recent meta-analysis has shown that it can reduce the length of hospitalization and decrease the chances of admission.
Aims: To assess the extent of use of hypertonic saline inhalations in the pediatric wards in Israel in 2018.
Methods: During October 2018 a detailed questionnaire was emailed to all the managers of pediatric wards in Israel. The questions related to treatments given to infants with acute bronchiolitis in pediatric wards and emergency departments in 2018. All results underwent statistical analysis.
Results: A total of 22/28 (78%) of all pediatric wards managers completed the questionnaire; 17/22 (77%) routinely use hypertonic saline in their wards. In 15 out of the 17 wards the hypertonic saline is also provided at their emergency department. In 12 wards (70%) the saline is provided together with a bronchodilator, in 4 (24%) with inhaled steroids, and in 2 (12%) with adrenaline.
Conclusions: In most pediatric wards and their emergency departments in Israel, hypertonic saline with bronchodilators is routinely used to treat infants with acute bronchiolitis.