[Comparative efficiency of nebulized adrenaline and salbutamol in severe acute asthma. A randomized, controlled prospective study].
OBJECTIVE
To compare nebulized salbutamol and nebulized adrenaline in acute severe asthma (ASA).


METHODS
Prospective controlled study.


METHODS
October 1998 at May 99, 44 patients (31 women and 13 men, 35 +/- 11 yrs) with ASA (defined as peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) < 150 l min-1 and normo- or hypercapnia) were randomized to receive either nebulized salbutamol (n = 22), 10 mg/h-1 during 2 h then 5 mg every 4 h or nebulized adrenaline (n = 22), 6 mg/h-1 during 2 h then 3 mg every 4 h. The efficacy was assessed by PEF, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and Fischl's score during eight hours and by arterial blood gases during the first hour. Side-effects were evaluated by heart rate, systolic blood pressure, serum potassium and blood glucose. Statistical tests: Wilcoxon, Fischer exact, ANOVA and Scheffe's test.


RESULTS
Both groups were similar with respect to age, sex, severity, duration of asthma and length of crisis. With the two treatments, PEF increased significantly but no statistical difference were observed between the two groups during the eight hours: 117.7 +/- 41.6 l min-1 to 203.3 +/- 56.9 l min-1 in the salbutamol group; 116.4 +/- 36.8 l min-1 to 217.3 +/- 188.8 l min-1 in the adrenaline group; p = 0.77. FEV1, Fischl's score and arterial blood gases did not differ significantly between treatments at every time interval. There were no significant difference between the two groups in terms of side-effects. The intravenous way was necessary at 3 cases of the salbutamol group and 4 cases of adrenaline group (NS).


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that nebulized adrenaline is as effective as nebulized salbutamol in the ASA without significant side-effects. The nebulization could reduce systemic effects of adrenaline.
Zeggwagh
A A
AA
Service de réanimation médicale et de toxicologie clinique, hôpital Avicenne, Rabat, Maroc. aazeggwagh@menara.co.ma
Abouqal
R
R
Madani
N
N
Abidi
K
K
Moussaoui
R
R
Zekraoui
A
A
Kerkeb
O
O
D000208:Acute Disease; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
D000336:Aerosols; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000420:Albuterol; D004837:Epinephrine