Magnesium Sulphate as an Adjuvant Therapy in Critically Ill Infants and Children Presenting with Wheezy Chest

Abstract

Background: Wheezy chest remains one of the major causes for emergency department visits and admissions at Paediatric intensive care units. Objective: We aimed to determine the efficacy of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4 ) versus standard treatment in critically ill infants and children with wheezy chest. Methodology: Randomized controlled trial comprised 81 patients suffering from wheezy chest divided into 3 groups. In addition to bronchodilators and systemic steroids, MgSO4 was given by inhalation in Group A, intravenously in Group B, and Group C received placebo. The improvement in our cases was determined by clinical respiratory score (CRS), ventilator setting and arterial blood gases before and after treatment. Results: Median age was 11 months, mean weight 9.3kg and the median of SOFA score was one. After treatment: There was significant improvement of CRS in the three groups. In group A, there was significant reduction in ventilator rate (p=0.017) and improvement of arterial/inspired oxygen ratio (p=0.0056). In group B better mean arterial pH was noted (p=0.009). Conclusion: Magnesium sulphate is a safe and beneficial adjuvant therapy in addition to standard treatment in critically ill infants and children with wheezy chest.