Effect of inhaled magnesium sulfate on bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the response of nebulized magnesium sulfate on the lung function of children with bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

METHODS: Eighty-four children with asthma were divided into three groups randomly: magnesium sulfate (M), albuterol (A), and a combination of magnesium sulfate and albuterol (M + A). All patients were nebulized with acetylcholine, and then treated as designed. Lung function was compared between the three groups.

RESULTS: Forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) significantly improved in all the three groups but it was better in (A) and (M + A) compared to (M) at 10 min and 20 min [10 min: 1.26 L ± 0.53 (A) vs. 1.10 L ± 0.27 (M), 1.35 L ± 0.59 (M + A) vs. 1.10 L ± 0.27 (M), p < 0.05; 20 min: 1.32 L ± 0.61 (A) vs. 1.17 L ± 0.30 (M), 1.42 L ± 0.59 (M + A) vs. 1.17 L ± 0.30 (M), p < 0.05]. Variation of FEV1, as absolute value at 10 min or 20 min over post-Ach FEV1 was significantly different in (A) or (M + A) compared to (M).

CONCLUSIONS: Nebulized albuterol and magnesium sulfate + albuterol can more effectively improve FEV1 in children with bronchial hyperresponsiveness than nebulized magnesium sulfate at 10 min and 20 min after inhalation. It is further suggested that addition of magnesium sulfate to albuterol does not result in additional benefit.