Respiratory

Could nebulised hypertonic saline prevent admission for infants with bronchiolitis? This 2013 journal club examines a Cochrane review, separating findings in hospitalised children from the smaller emergency and outpatient studies, and highlighting the uncertainty around admission avoidance.

Could a small chest drain with a Heimlich valve allow selected patients with pneumothorax to receive outpatient care? This 2013 journal club examines a systematic review, weighing encouraging reports against variable study quality, limited randomised evidence and unanswered questions about patient selection.

What did the 3MG trial add to the evidence for magnesium in acute severe asthma? This 2013 appraisal compares intravenous and nebulised treatment with placebo, focusing on admission and breathlessness while stressing that patients with life-threatening features were excluded.