The Evidence for Intravenous Theophylline Levels between 10-20mg/L in Children Suffering an Acute Exacerbation of Asthma: A Systematic Review.
BACKGROUND
Intravenous theophyllines are a second line treatment for children suffering an acute exacerbation of asthma. Various guidelines and formularies recommend aiming for serum theophylline levels between 10-20mg/l. This review aims to assess the evidence underpinning this recommendation.


METHODS
A systematic review comparing outcomes of children who achieved serum theophylline concentrations between 10-20mg/l with those who did not. Primary outcomes were time until resolution of symptoms, mortality and need for mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes were date until discharge criteria are met, actual discharge, adverse effects and FEV1.


METHODS
MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and Web of Science. Search performed in October 2015.


METHODS
Interventional or observational studies utilizing intravenous theophyllines for an acute exacerbation of asthma in children where serum theophylline levels and clinical outcomes were measured.


RESULTS
10 RCTs and 2 observational studies were included. Children with serum levels between 10-20mg/l did not have a reduction in duration of symptoms, length of hospital stay or need for mechanical ventilation or better spirometric results compared with levels<10mg/l. Levels above 20mg/l are not associated with higher rates of adverse effects. This study is limited due to heterogeneity in the way theophylline levels were reported and poor surveillance of adverse effects across studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Dosing strategies aiming for levels between 10-20mg/l are not associated with better outcomes. Clinicians should rely on clinical outcomes and not serum levels when using intravenous theophyllines in children suffering an acute exacerbation of asthma.
Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom.
Lewis
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5799-9383
L
Cooney
Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom.|National Institute for Health Research Alder Hey Clinical Research Facility, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom.
Daniel
D
Hawcutt
National Institute for Health Research Alder Hey Clinical Research Facility, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom.
Ian
I
Sinha
D000208:Acute Disease; D061605:Administration, Intravenous; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D013806:Theophylline