RCT: Use of nebulised magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant in the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD in adults

Source: Thorax Area: News According to a study published early online in Thorax, nebulised magnesium as an adjuvant to salbutamol treatment in the setting of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) has no effect on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1).   Previously, intravenous magnesium has been shown to cause bronchodilation in acute severe asthma and in small trials in AECOPD.   Researchers conducted this double-blind, placebo-controlled study in  patients with AECOPD presenting to the emergency departments at two New Zealand hospitals with a FEV1<50% predicted 20 min after initial administration of salbutamol 2.5 mg and ipratropium 500 mcg via nebulisation. Patients received 2.5 mg salbutamol mixed with either 2.5 ml isotonic magnesium sulphate 151 mg per dose (n=47) or 2.5 ml isotonic saline (placebo, n=64) on three occasions at 30 min intervals via nebuliser. The primary outcome measure was FEV1 at 90 min. The following results were reported: ...
Source: NeLM - News - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news