PURPOSE: To investigate the occurrence of a decrease in oxygen saturation during the feeding of infants with acute viral bronchiolitis, and to investigate the association with the clinical signs of dysphagia. CASE REPORT: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 42 infants, with a median age of 82 days (P25=32; P75=156). A clinical swallowing evaluation was accompanied by measurement of the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). By using digital oximetry, the SpO2 was measured before, during, and after feeding. Saturation reduction was considered if the decrease from baseline was greater than or equal to 4% during and after oral feeding. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. At the time of assessment, 26 (60.5%) infants required ventilatory support of up to 1 L of oxygen. The statistical difference (p=0.001) was observed between the SpO2 ratesbefore and after feeding. No significant association (r= -0.305; p=0.05) was observed whileconsidering the decrease in SpO2values; that is, the greater the number of swallowing disorders, the greater the desaturation during feeding. CONCLUSION: Infants with acute viral bronchiolitis had abnormal swallowing, in addition to variations in oxygen saturation rates during the feeding process. It is suggested that a decline in the oxygen saturation is a risk factor for dysphagia in this population.
