OBJECTIVE
It is known that magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administered intravenously as an adjunct treatment is effective in treating asthma exacerbations. However, there is limited data available on the use and benefit of nebulized magnesium sulfate.
METHODS
We conducted a scoping review on four databases i.e., Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane to determine the benefit of using
nebulized magnesium sulphate therapy in addition to salbutamol and/or ipratropium in the treatment of patients with severe acute asthma.
RESULTS
A total of 16 articles were included in the study. Based on the literature review, combined nebulized MgSO4 and salbutamol therapy was found to be superior to salbutamol alone in adult patients. There was also a significant reduction in hospital admissions in adult patients with severe asthma exacerbations if they receive nebulized MgSO4. Although some small studies have shown benefit in using it in children and pregnant patients, further studies are needed to address the role of nebulised MgSO4 in such populations.
CONCLUSION
Within the study limitations, magnesium sulfate was found to be beneficial when used in nebulized form in acute asthma exacerbation. Further studies are warranted to establish its role in practice guidelines.
Key words: Asthma, Magnesium sulfate, Asthma exacerbations, Pulmonary function, β2-agonists adjunctt
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