Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

In Vitro Method to Control Concentrations of Halogenated Gases in Cultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells
04:56

In Vitro Method to Control Concentrations of Halogenated Gases in Cultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Published on: October 23, 2018

Intravenous magnesium sulphate provides no additive benefit to standard management in acute asthma

Tracey A Bradshaw1, Simon P Matusiewicz, Graham K Crompton

  • 1Respiratory Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK. tbradshaw@fsmail.net

Respiratory Medicine
|September 18, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intravenous magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) did not improve outcomes for acute asthma patients when added to standard treatment. This randomized trial found no significant benefit in lung function or hospital admission rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Acute asthma management focuses on rapid relief of bronchospasm and inflammation.
  • Magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) exhibits bronchodilator properties, but its effectiveness in acute asthma is debated despite guideline recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) as an adjunct to standard therapy for improving outcomes in acute asthma patients.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 129 adult patients with acute asthma (PEF ≤ 75% predicted).
  • Participants received standard care (oxygen, nebulized salbutamol/ipratropium, IV hydrocortisone) plus either 1.2g IV MgSO(4) or a placebo.
  • Primary outcome measures included % predicted Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) at 60 minutes and hospital admission rates.

Main Results:

  • Intravenous MgSO(4) showed no significant improvement in hospital admission rates or % predicted PEF at 60 minutes compared to placebo.
  • No benefits were observed in subgroups of patients with life-threatening, severe, or moderate acute asthma.

Conclusions:

  • The addition of 1.2g intravenous magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) to standard therapy does not provide additional benefit for patients with acute asthma.

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects01:21

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines01:24

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses01:30

Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses

Adrenergic agonists have diverse therapeutic uses across various medical conditions and emergencies.
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...