Evaluating the use of magnesium sulphate intravenous for the Asthma in pediatric patients

Abstract

Background: One of the proposed mechanisms for the action of the magnesium sulphate includes relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscle by the inhibition of the calcium across the smooth muscle membranes. The present study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of magnesium sulphate administration for the severity of acute asthma in pediatric patients. Methodology: The present retrospective study was conducted at Department of Tuberculosis and Reparatory Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Inclusion criteria included the patients under the age of 18 years or younger and who were treated with intravenous magnesium sulphate for the treatment of asthma attacks in the department of emergency of the hospital. Data collection form was used to assess the details of the patients. Results: Total of 60 paediatric patients were included in the present study. All the paediatric patients did received the magnesium sulphate through intravenous administration. Total of 40 patients required a PICU admission after the magnesium sulphate treatment. It was found that total of 96% of the patient did required the hospital admission. Around 5 patients were discharged directly from the emergency department. The serum concentrations of the magnesium sulphate were slight above the normal range that is 1.5 to 2.5 mg/dl. Conclusions: Monitoring of the intravenous magnesium sulphate and the related practised in various medical institutions did vary. Further studies are required to determine the regimen of the dose of intravenous magnesium sulphate for the paediatric patients. Keywords: Asthma; Intravenous; Magnesium sulphate; Paediatric patients.