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Glucagon for refractory asthma exacerbation.
Jillian M Cavallari1, Tara S Jawaro1, Nadia I Awad2
1Department of Pharmacy, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ; Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|October 16, 2016
Summary
Glucagon may help severe asthma cases unresponsive to other treatments. This study explored its use in emergency settings for refractory asthma exacerbation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glucagon, a pancreatic hormone, promotes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation via cyclic adenosine monophosphate.
- Previous research in the 1980s-1990s explored glucagon for asthma management, but evaluation ceased.
- Current data supporting glucagon's use in asthma is limited.
Observation:
- This study details 4 emergency department cases of severe, refractory asthma exacerbation.
- Intravenous glucagon was administered to manage these critical asthma cases.
- The patients experienced severe asthma exacerbations unresponsive to standard therapies.
Findings:
- Intravenous glucagon was utilized as a last-line treatment for severe, refractory asthma exacerbation.
- Case studies indicate potential utility in managing difficult-to-treat asthma episodes.
- Further research is warranted to establish glucagon's efficacy and safety profile.
Implications:
- Glucagon presents a potential last-line therapeutic option for refractory asthma exacerbation.
- These case reports may guide future clinical trials on glucagon for severe asthma.
- Exploring novel treatments like glucagon is crucial for patients with limited therapeutic options.
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