Intravenous magnesium sulfate for acute bronchiolitis: evaluation of the
effect on clinical course and outcomes
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of
intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on clinical severity scores,
need for respiratory support and outcomes for previously healthy
children with bronchiolitis. Methods: We retrospectively assessed
children with moderate-severe bronchiolitis. Patients who received 40
mg/kg/dose of IV MgSO4 (group 1) or not (group 2) were compared for
vital signs, clinical findings and outcomes. Results: There were 74
patients in group 1 and 33 in group 2. The median age, the mean
respiratory rates, oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen (S/F)
ratios and, The Modified Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument
(mRDAI) scores at the time of starting MgSO4 treatment were similar for
two groups. Respiratory rate and mRDAI score significantly decreased at
the 2th hour of MgSO4 treatment and the decrease was observed for 4th,
8th and 12th hours, compared with group 2. Patients in group 1 had a
higher S/F ratio at 4th hour compared with group 2 and in group 1, the
elevation was observed at the 4th hour. Patients in group 2 had a higher
rate of requirement and an earlier start high flow nasal cannula oxygen
therapy but the total duration time was similar for two groups. Patients
in group 2 had a longer hospital stay than group 1. Conclusion:
Intravenous MgSO4 provided significant improvement on clinical severity,
early phase of oxygenation, need for respiratory support, length of stay
in the hospital and outcomes. It seems to be an effective treatment
option for management of bronchiolitis.