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Systematic review on efficacy of magnesium (intravenous or nebulized) for acute asthma episodes in children

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Summary

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (IV) and nebulized magnesium sulfate for acute asthma in children. Ten randomized and quasi-randomized trials (6 IV, 4 nebulized) were identified through search of databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE). Intavenous magnesium sulfate treatment was associated with significant effects on respiratory function (standardized mean difference 1.94; 95% CI 0.80,3.08; P=0.0008) and hospital admission (RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.31,0.95; P=0.03). But nebulized magnesium sulfate treatment showed no significant effect on respiratory function (standardized mean difference 0.19; 95% CI–0.01, 0.40; P=0.07) or hospital admission (RR 1.11; 95% CI 0.86,1.44; P=0.42). Authors concluded that IV magnesium sulfate is an effective treatment in children, with significant improvement in pulmonary function and decrease in hospitalization and need for further treatment, but nebulized magnesium sulfate treatment showed no significant effect on respiratory function or hospital admission and further treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India

    Joseph L. Mathew

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India

    Mandeep Walia

Authors
  1. Joseph L. Mathew
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  2. Mandeep Walia
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Correspondence to Joseph L. Mathew.

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Mathew, J.L., Walia, M. Systematic review on efficacy of magnesium (intravenous or nebulized) for acute asthma episodes in children. Indian Pediatr 54, 133–137 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-017-1016-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-017-1016-3

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