Publication:

Bronchiolitis epidemic: experience of the mother and child teaching hospital of Tsaralalàna Madagascar

Background An increase in the number of children hospitalized for bronchiolitis has been observed on February to April over the past 5 years. This study aimed to describe the bronchiolitis characteristic during the 2019 epidemic as well as its management at the Tsaralalàna Teaching Hospital.

Methods This is a 3 months retrospective descriptive study, from February to April 2019, including all children diagnosed with bronchiolitis.

Results Bronchiolitis was diagnosed in 1704 children (40.1%) and 425(29.4%) were hospitalized. Severe bronchiolitis was found in 212 children (49.9%) which were aged under 3 months in 46.7%. Secondary bacterial infection was noted in 359 children (84.5%) and cardiac failure in 145 children (34.1%). Hypertonic saline 3% was prescribed at 76.4% of children.

Conclusions Younger infant under 3 months were the most frequently admitted in hospitalization. Severe or complicated bronchiolitis are predominant. Using a pediatric plan adapted to bronchiolitis epidemic may improve care of children.