Comparative efficacy of Nebulized Magnesium Sulphate plus Salbutamol versus Nebulized Salbutamol plus 0.9% NaCl in Acute Exacerbation of Asthmatic in Children

Abstract

Objective: To To compare the effectiveness of magnesium sulphate (MgSO)₄ plus salbutamol nebulization versus salbutamol plus normal
saline nebulization in managing acute asthma exacerbations in children.

Material and Methods: 144 children with acute asthma exacerbations were randomly divided into two groups of equal size. Group Magnesium
received MgSO₄ + salbutamol; Group Saline received salbutamol + normal saline via nebulizer. Participants received up to three treatment
sessions every 20 minutes. Assessments were done by measuring the Pulmonary Index Score and peak expiratory flow rate before treatment
and at 30, 60, and 90 minutes after treatment. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.25.

Results: The mean ages of children in magnesium and saline groups were 8.26 ± 1.85 and 8.39 ± 2.15 years, respectively, with no significant
difference (p = 0.709). The mean PEFR increased and PIS decreased significantly over time in both groups. Magnesium group had
significantly higher PEFR than saline group at 60 and 90 minutes. The groups did not differ significantly from pre-intervention to 30 minutes
post-intervention. Regarding PIS, the groups differed significantly at all three post-intervention time points: magnesium group had significantly
lower PIS scores than Saline group.

Conclusion: In pediatric asthma exacerbations, nebulized MgSO₄ with salbutamol significantly improves outcomes compared to nebulized
salbutamol with normal saline.