Efficacy of magnesium sulphate treatment in children with acute asthma.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) in improving lung function parameters in children presented with acute asthma (AA). Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Setting: Department of Emergency, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: October 2023 to March 2024. Methods: Children of either gender, aged between 6-13 years, presenting with respiratory complaints due to AA were included. Demographic and clinical details of each child were obtained. Presenting complaints including wheezing, short ness of breath, cough chest tightness was asked from children and their parents/guardians. Dose of MgSO₄ was calculated according to body weight of child and infusion was prepared in 100 mL normal saline by on duty senior nurse. Spirometry of each child was performed by trained experienced spirometry technician before and after 15 minutes of MgSO₄ infusion. Results: In a total of 82 children with AA, 47 (57.3%) were boys. The mean age was 9.87±1.72 years. The most frequent associated conditions were dust allergy, and fragrance allergy, noted in 34 (41.5%), and 32 (39.0%) children, respectively. Wheezing, and cough were the most frequently noted symptoms, observed in 65 (79.3%) children each. Significant improvement in FEV1 (p<0.001), FVC (p<0.001), PEF (p<0.001), and FEF 25-75 (p<0.001) were observed after treatment with MgSO₄. Conclusion: These findings suggest that IV MgSO₄ may serve as an effective adjunct therapy for acute pediatric asthma exacerbations, leading to improved clinical outcomes.