SHORT TERM OUTCOME OF ACUTE BRONCHIOLITIS IN CHILDREN OF 1 MONTH TO 24 MONTHS ADMITTED IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Background: Acute bronchiolitis is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants, often resulting in hospitalization. Identification of demographic, clinical, and perinatal risk factors is crucial for early management and prevention of severe disease. Objectives: To study the clinical profile, severity, and outcomes of children with acute bronchiolitis and to identify factors associated with severe disease. Methods: This observational study included 97 children diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis. Data on age, gender, socioeconomic status, perinatal history, feeding, anthropometry, immunization, comorbidities, clinical features, laboratory findings, respiratory support, hospital stay, and outcomes were collected. Severity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Statistical analysis assessed associations between clinical and demographic factors and disease severity. Results: The majority of cases (65%) were infants under six months, with peak incidence at four months. Male predominance was observed (56.7%). Most children belonged to lower middle and upper lower socioeconomic classes (81.44%). Common clinical features included cough (100%), fever (61.8%), and respiratory distress (51.5%). Hypoxemia was present in 29.7%, and complications included secondary pneumonia (55.5%) and hypoxia (41.6%). Comorbidities were uncommon but included congenital heart disease (4.12%) and neurodevelopmental delay (2.06%). Severity was significantly associated with low birth weight (p=0.023), anemia (p=0.029), and lower socioeconomic status (p=0.002), while gender, prematurity, and environmental exposures showed no significant correlation. The mean hospital stay was 3.75 ±1.9 days. All patients recovered without mortality. Conclusion: Acute bronchiolitis predominantly affects young infants and is generally mild. Low birth weight, anemia, and low socioeconomic status increase the risk of severe disease. Early identification of high-risk infants and vigilant supportive care are essential to improve outcomes.