The interest of magnesium sulfate nebulization in asthma exacerbation

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Magnesium sulphate is a cofactor which acts as a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory.&nbsp;In children, it may be indicated as an adjuvant treatment for exacerbations of asthma.&nbsp;We set to determine the effect of inhaled magnesium sulphate on the modified pulmonary index score (MPIS). <b>Materials and Methods</b> Our study concerns 60 children whose age varies between 2 and 15 years admitted to the Pneumo-Allergology Unit at Rabat’s Children9s Hospital for exacerbation of asthma during one month. Patients were randomized to placebo or magnesium, with 30 patients in each category. Patients in the placebo group received 0.03 cc /kg of salbutamol + 2.5 cc of saline three times 20 min in combination with each oral prednisolone.&nbsp;Patients in the treatment group received 1 cc magnesium sulfate (15%) + 0.03 cc/kg salbutamol + 1.5 cc serum saline three times every 20 mins in combination with oral prednisolone. For patients who responded poorly after 3 nebulizations, nebulization of salbutamol in combination with saline was continued every 20 mins. <b>Results:</b> The two groups had the same demographic data. The difference in the MPIS score between the two groups was not significant (p &gt; 0.05) for reduced seizures (MPIS less than 10) as well as for severe seizures (MPIS greater to 10). <b>Conclusion:</b> The addition of nebulized magnesium sulphate in asthma exacerbation as an adjuvant treatment to standard treatment has shown no benefit