title: Intravenous magnesium sulfate in acute, life-threatening asthma.
abstract: Magnesium, a physiologic calcium antagonist, is known to have a direct effect on calcium uptake in smooth muscle, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation. Studies of magnesium sulfate infusions in patients with mild or moderate-to-severe acute asthma have shown that it may have a significant bronchodilatory effect, similar to that of salbutamol (albuterol). We present the case of a patient with acute severe life-threatening asthma (initially in cardiorespiratory arrest) who responded to an IV infusion of magnesium sulfate after aggressive pharmacologic management failed to result in clinical improvement.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care Unit, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Kuitert
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Kletchko
mesh_terms: D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D013224:Status Asthmaticus / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D008278:Magnesium Sulfate