Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate for Treating Adults with Acute Asthma in the Emergency Department
Kew KM, Kirtchuk L, Michell CI; Cochrane Airways Group, 2014 · 14 studies included
Summary
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (n=1,769) evaluating IV magnesium sulfate added to standard therapy (oxygen, nebulized short-acting beta-agonists, IV corticosteroids) in adults with acute asthma in the emergency department.
Conclusion
IV magnesium sulfate reduced hospital admissions (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60-0.92; NNT 7) in adults with severe asthma not responding sufficiently to initial therapy. Trials were heterogeneous in severity and co-administered treatments, limiting precision about which patients benefit most.