Effect of magnesium sulfate combined with salbutamol sulfate inhalation on neutrophil elastase level in peripheral blood of children with acute attack of bronchial asthma

Abstract

Objective To study the effect of magnesium sulfate combined with salbutamol sulfate on the neutrophil elastase (NE) level in the peripheral blood of children with acute attack of bronchial asthma. Methods 148 children with acute attack of bronchial asthma were divided into a routine group and a combined group, 74 children for each group. The routine group was treated with salbutamol sulfate inhalation; in addition, the combined group was treated with magnesium sulfate inhalation. The curative effect in two groups was observed. Results The total treatment effective rate was 97.30% in the combined group and 72.97% in the routine group (P<0.05). The pulmonary function indexes (FEV1, FVC, and PEF) were improved significantly in the two groups after the treatment (P<0.05); and the improvement in the combined group was significantly greater than that in the routine group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the NE levels in the two groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05); and the decrease of NE level in the combined group was remarkably greater than that in the routine group [(0.64±0.15) vs. (1.32±0.17), P<0.05]. Conclusions Magnesium sulfate combined with salbutamol sulfate inhalation is effective and safe in the treatment of children with acute attack of bronchial asthma. The treatment can reduce the NE level in peripheral blood and improve the chronic inflammatory constitution in children. Key words: Magnesium sulfate; Salbutamol sulfate; Acute attack of bronchial asthma; Neutrophil elastase