title: Treatment of status asthmaticus with intravenous magnesium sulfate.
abstract: The bronchodilating effect of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) was studied in two patients with status asthmaticus, who were intubated and mechanically ventilated by a respirator. Airway resistance was continuously monitored by the respiration-controlled interruption technique. After administration of 0.5 mmol/min MgSO4 intravenously, airway resistance decreased from 17 to 9, and from 13 to 8 mmHg/L/s in the two patients, respectively, and piping rales diminished or disappeared. We conclude that while corticosteroid therapy requires several hours to demonstrate significant effects in status asthmaticus, MgSO4 is of great benefit in the rapid improvement of airflow obstruction.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Internal Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Okayama
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okayama
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aikawa
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sasaki
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Takishima
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000403:Airway Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D013224:Status Asthmaticus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate