Emergence Archives - Critical Care Science (CCS)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Magnesium sulfate has been shown to benefit asthmatic children and adults with poor responses to initial beta-agonist therapy and systemic corticoids in the emergency department. The aim of this study was to realize a no systematic review about the treatment of the acute asthma with intravenous and nebulized magnesium sulfate in the emergence. CONTENTS: The first investigations that demonstrate the benefit in the use of the magnesium sulfate in asthma date to 1938. The effects of magnesium sulfate may be mediated through its action as a calcium antagonist or through its function as a cofactor in enzyme systems involving ion flux across cell membranes. We realized a literature review using MedLine database of the last six years (2000 to 2006). Articles published in English were included by the crossing of keywords asthma and magnesium sulfate. CONCLUSIONS: The routine administration of intravenous and nebulized magnesium sulfate to severely ill patients with acute asthma presents in the emergence department is not recommended, however as an adjunct therapy brings some benefit.