Intermittent Versus Continuous Pulse Oximetry Monitoring of Infants Admitted for Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) syndrome cause by different types of viruses and occurs in young children. Although bronchiolitis is a widespread and fairly common illness in children, pediatricians vary significantly in how it is treated. This includes how children are monitored for their oxygen status when not receiving supplemental oxygen. Studies suggest that continuous pulse oximetry measurement of children admitted to the hospital with bronchiolitis regardless of use of supplemental oxygen prolongs their hospital stay. This increases the cost of care for these patients and increases their risk of hospital-associated complications. This study is a randomized trial of continuous pulse oximeter use in patients admitted with bronchiolitis versus transitioning patients not requiring oxygen to intermittent pulse oximetry monitoring. The investigators hypothesize that this will decrease length of stay as well as associated costs of care and number of medical interventions performed in the hospital.