Randomised controlled trial to reduce morbidity of bronchiolitis in young children admitted to Royal Darwin hospital in the NT

Background / Purpose: Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for hospital admission for infants globally. The use of antibiotics, in particular macrolides for treating bronchiolitis in non affluent settings remains controversial but potentially beneficial. In our region, readmission with lower respiratory illness in young children, particularly Indigenous children remains high.To determine if a single dose of azithromycin reduces the morbidity of young children hospitalised with bronchiolitis.The combined anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of a macrolide, (Azithromycin) will improve clinical outcomes for young children with moderate-severe bronchiolitis. Main conclusion: Double blind RCT. Young children <18 months admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) diagnosed with bronchiolitis are eligible. Children are given a single dose (30mg/kg) of either azithromycin/placebo at enrolment.Recruitment for this study is ongoing. Results highlight that Indigenous children have longer hospitalisations, length of time requiring oxygen and number of co morbidities. Reducing the burden of ongoing respiratory illness in this population is important.