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. 2014 Nov 4;6:103. doi: 10.12703/P6-103

Table 3. Indications for hospital referral for acute bronchiolitis Adapted from [39].

Absolute indications Relative indications Indications for intensive care
- Cyanosis or very severe respiratory distress (RR >70 breaths/min, nasal flaring and/or grunting, severe chest wall recession)
- Marked lethargy
- Respiratory distress preventing feeding
- Apneic episodes
- Diagnostic uncertainty (toxic infant, temperature ≥40 degrees centigrade)
- Congenital heart disease
- Any survivor of extreme prematurity
- Any pre-existing lung disease or immunodeficiency
- Down's syndrome
- Social factors: isolated family
- Failure to maintain saturations >90% with increasing oxygen requirement
- Deteriorating respiratory status and impending exhaustion
- Worsening episodes of apnea