Intravenous and nebulized magnesium sulfate for treating acute asthma in adults and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Shan Z
Published in Respiratory Medicine
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of intravenous or nebulised magnesium sulfate in acute asthma in adults and children, pooling lung function, admission and symptom outcomes.
Key Findings
Meta-analysis of trials in acute asthma found intravenous magnesium sulfate improved lung function and reduced hospital admissions in adults and children with severe exacerbations not responding to initial bronchodilators, while nebulised magnesium produced smaller and less consistent benefits.
Conclusions
Intravenous magnesium sulfate is a useful rescue therapy in severe acute asthma exacerbations; the nebulised route is not well supported.
Limitations
Heterogeneous trials in dose, timing, co-treatment and severity definitions; many small studies at moderate risk of bias; benefit largely confined to severe exacerbations, limiting generalisability to routine asthma care; no relevance to oral magnesium supplementation.
Supplements Studied
The use of intravenous magnesium sulfate, in addition to beta2-agonists and systemic steroids, in the treatment of acute asthma appears to produce benefits with respect to improve pulmonary function.
Outcomes Measured
Meta-analysis of trials in acute asthma found intravenous magnesium sulfate improved lung function and reduced hospital admissions in adults and children with severe exacerbations not responding to initial bronchodilators, while nebulised magnesium produced smaller and less consistent benefits.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic institutional funding
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.