Introduction

Infections of the respiratory system are considered a prevalent public health problem and are one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in the pediatric population. Among the most common is acute bronchitis, caused by inflammation of the lining of the bronchi that tends to be recurrent and self-limiting for up to three weeks. The main symptom is cough, associated with odynophagia, nasal discharge, and sometimes fever. Phytopharmaceuticals and alternative medicine have been used for over 50 years and have demonstrated clinical effectiveness and acceptability by patients, mainly due to their natural components. In Europe, using the dry extract of ivy leaves EA575 for treating acute bronchitis is common, and more than 65,000 patients in 20 studies have demonstrated its effectiveness. Hedera helix EA575 syrup, obtained from ivy EA575 leaves, is a mucolytic, expectorant, and bronchodilator and works as an anti-inflammatory at the level of the lungs and airways. Latin American literature demonstrates its effectiveness and safety; however, no local research was found.

Aim

To describe the experience of use and clinical evolution of patients with acute bronchitis treated with Hedera helix EA575 syrup for seven days.

Methodology

A descriptive observational study based on clinical records, which included patients between 2-14 years old with acute bronchitis prescribed by their doctor Hedera helix EA575 syrup. Sociodemographic data and the time of evolution of the cough were taken from the baseline consultation. Treatment-related variables, BSS-Pediatric Scale, visual analogue cough scale, and verbal descriptive cough score were taken from the follow-up. The satisfaction with the treatment and its success were evaluated after 14 days.

Results

80 patients between 2 and 12 years old were included. The median number of cough days was eight days. After 7 and 14 days of treatment, 50% and 76% had resolved the cough, respectively. On day 14, coughing was frequent without interfering with activities in 1 patient. The BSS-pediatric score decreased at each follow-up. Median day-and-night cough VAS was zero for day 14. Awakenings due to coughing decreased from 3 at baseline to 0 per week. 98.75% of the patients were satisfied with the treatment, and none presented adverse events.

Conclusion

After seven days of treatment, half of the patients had resolved cough and night awakenings; it is suggested that treatment with Hedera helix EA575 could be beneficial and of low risk.