Faculty Collaboration Database

Higher-dose intravenous magnesium therapy for children with moderate to severe acute asthma. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2000 Oct;154(10):979-83

Date

10/13/2000

Pubmed ID

11030848

DOI

10.1001/archpedi.154.10.979

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0033808047 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   123 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a 40-mg/kg dose of intravenous magnesium sulfate for moderate to severe asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING: Two urban tertiary care pediatric emergency departments.

SUBJECTS: Thirty patients, aged 6 to 17.9 years, being treated for an acute asthma exacerbation.

INTERVENTION: Eligible patients received either a magnesium sulfate infusion of 40 mg/kg or saline solution.

RESULTS: At 20 minutes, the time at which the infusion was completed, the magnesium group had a significantly greater percentage of absolute improvement from baseline in each of the following: predicted peak expiratory flow rate (8.6% vs 0.3%, P<. 001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (7.0% vs 0.2%,P<.001), and forced vital capacity (7.3% vs -0.7%, P<.001). The improvement was greater at 110 minutes: peak expiratory flow rate (25.8% vs 1.9%, P<.001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (24.1% vs 2.3%; P<. 001), and forced vital capacity (27.3% vs 2.6%, P<.001). Patients who received intravenous magnesium were more likely to be discharged to their homes than those who received the placebo (8/16 vs 0/14; P=. 002).

CONCLUSION: Children treated with 40 mg/kg of intravenous magnesium sulfate for moderate to severe asthma showed remarkable improvement in short-term pulmonary function.

Author List

Ciarallo L, Brousseau D, Reinert S

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Asthma
Calcium Channel Blockers
Child
Double-Blind Method
Emergency Treatment
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Infusions, Intravenous
Magnesium Sulfate
Male
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
Severity of Illness Index
Time Factors
Vital Capacity