Oxygen saturation thresholds in bronchiolitis: examining admissions.

Abstract

Examine admissions for bronchiolitis, comparing centres with oxygen saturation thresholds for admission of 90% versus 92%. Prospective multi-centre service evaluation, all admissions for bronchiolitis during 4-week period, November 2018. Paediatric departments across 12 hospitals in the West Midlands, UK. 320 patients aged 6 weeks-1 year, diagnosis of bronchiolitis, exclusions: chronic illness or high dependency/intensive care admission. Reason for admission, admission saturations and length of stay. Inadequate feeding was the the most common reason for admission (80%). Only 20 patients were admitted solely because of low saturations. Median peripheral oxygen saturation in this group was 88%. Median length of stay in 90% centres was 41 hours, against 59 hours for 92% centres (p=0.0074). Few patients were admitted solely due to low oxygen saturations, only one had a potentially avoidable admission if thresholds were 90%. Length of stay was significantly reduced in the 90% threshold centres.