THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF INTRAVENOUS VERSUS INHALED MAGNESIUM SULPHATE IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE ASTHMA

Background: Asthma is the one of the most common chronic diseases afflicting man in the modern day world, leading to significant levels of morbidity and mortality if left uncontrolled. The use of Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) is among the many therapeutic agents used to manage acute exacerbations of severe asthma. The efficacy of intravenous, or inhaled MgSO4 is encouragingly positive, however comparative data is scarce. Objective: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous and inhaled magnesium sulphate in treatment of acute asthma. Methods: This comparative analysis was carried out at the Dept. of Chest Medicine at Liaquat University Hospital (Hyderabad & Jamshoro) from January to December 2018 on a sample of 112 patients of both genders aged 18 and above (chosen via consecutive no-probability sampling) presenting to the study setting with acute exacerbation of asthma. After taking written informed consent from the study subjects, data was collected using a structured, interview based questionnaire containing inquiries about basic biodata, sociodemographic details and disease particulars. Inferences obtained from clinical evaluation, laboratory results and eventual therapeutic outcome of each of the methods of administration (intravenous and inhalation) was also noted. Randomization was done using a computer based software. The data obtained was analyzed using MS. Excel 360 and SPSS v. 21.0. Result: Among the 112 patients, 63.4% were males, while the remaining 36.6 were females. The mean age of sample stood at 44 years (SD ± 13.11) and most (33.03%) of the subjects were aged 56 and above. The mean duration of acute exacerbatory distress, mean hospital stay, and post-intervention increase in peak expiratory flow rate was compared for each route of administration of magnesium sulphate. Conclusion: Although both are known to yield significant improvement as compared to placebo, but after careful consideration and analysis of results, it can be concluded that there was no significant different between the therapeutic efficacy of each of the two methods of administration. The results of intravenous administration however yielded more encouraging result. Keywords: Magnesium Sulphate, Intravenous Route, Inhalational Route, Acute Asthma & PEFR