Variability of Care in Infants with Severe Bronchiolitis: Less-Invasive Respiratory Management Leads to Similar Outcomes.

Objective To compare the management of children with severe bronchiolitis requiring intensive care (based on duration of ventilatory support and duration of pediatric intensive care unit [PICU] stay) in 2 countries with differing pediatric transport and PICU organizations. Study design This was a prospective observational care study in 2 PICUs of tertiary care university hospitals, 1 in France and 1 in Canada. All children with bronchiolitis who required admission to the PICU between November 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014, were included. Results A total of 194 children were included. Baseline characteristics and illness severity were similar at the 2 sites. There was a significant difference between centers in the use of invasive ventilation (3% in France vs 26% in Canada; P P P P Conclusion Important differences in the management of children with severe bronchiolitis were observed during both prehospital transport and PICU treatment. Less invasive management resulted in similar outcomes with in fewer complications.