Factors associated with hospitalization via emergency department in children with acute bronchiolitis

Purpose In infants and young children, acute bronchiolitis is a leading cause of hospitalization via emergency departments (EDs). We aimed to investigate factors associated with hospitalization via ED in children with acute bronchiolitis. Methods We reviewed medical records of children aged 36 months or younger with acute bronchiolitis who visited the ED from January to December 2017. The following clinical data were collected and analyzed: age, sex, premature birth history, symptoms, fever duration, presence of respiratory distress and radiographic lesion, and inflammatory markers. Results Of 780 children enrolled, 463 (59.4%) were hospitalized via the ED. The factor associated with the hospitalization were age ≤ 12 months (odd ratio [OR], 45.34; confidence interval [CI], 17.50-117.44), fever lasting ≥ 3 days (OR, 13.66; 95% CI, 6.46-28.87), respiratory rate ≥ 24 breaths per minute (OR, 6.88; 95% CI, 4.21-11.26), radiographic lesion (OR, 5.70; 95% CI 2.62-12.40), and chest retraction (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.11-5.41). Conclusion In children with acute bronchiolitis who visit EDs, those having younger age, longer fever duration, respiratory distress or radiographic lesion may need hospitalization.