Serum Enzyme Monitoring in Asthma Patients

Abstract

To the Editor.— Maguire et al1 have recommended serial monitoring of serum creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme (CPK-MB) levels and electrocardiograms (ECG) for all children requiring admission to an intensive care unit for treatment of severe asthma. I wish to point out what I believe are inaccurate observations and invalid conclusions. In this study 20 admissions to intensive care units occurred for "severe bronchial obstruction despite standard initial therapy." Six necessitated use of intravenous isoproterenol for Pco2, values of 50 mm Hg or higher.