Intravenous and Nebulized Magnesium Sulfate for Treating Acute Asthma in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#acute-disease #administration-inhalation #adolescent #asthma #calcium-channel-blockers

Intravenous and Nebulized Magnesium Sulfate for Treating Acute Asthma in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Su et al., 2018 | Pediatr Emerg Care | Meta Analysis

Citation

Su Zhantao, Li Rui, Gai Zhongtao. Intravenous and Nebulized Magnesium Sulfate for Treating Acute Asthma in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2018-Jun;34(6):390-395. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000000909

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (IV) and nebulized magnesium sulfate in acute asthma in children. METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials of IV and nebulized magnesium sulfate in pediatric acute asthma were included. The outcomes subject to meta-analysis were pulmonary function, hospitalization, and further treatment. If statistical heterogeneity was significant, random-effects models were used for meta-analysis, otherwise, fixed-effects models were applied. RESULTS: Ten randomized and quasi-randomized trials (6 IV, 4 nebulized) were identified. Intravenous magnesium sulfate treatment is associated with significant effects on respiratory function (standardized mean difference, 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80-3.08; P = 0.0008) and hospital admission (risk ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31-0.95; P = 0.03). But nebulized magnesium sulfate treatment shows no significant effect on respiratory function (standardized mean difference, 0.19; 95% CI, -0.01-0.40; P = 0.07) or hospital admission (risk ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.86-1.44; P = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis revealed that IV magnesium sulfate is an effective treatment in children, with the pulmonary function significantly improved and hospitalization and further treatment decreased. But nebulized magnesium sulfate treatment showed no significant effect on respiratory function or hospital admission and further treatment.

Key Findings

Ten randomized and quasi-randomized trials (6 IV, 4 nebulized) were identified. Intravenous magnesium sulfate treatment is associated with significant effects on respiratory function (standardized mean difference, 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80-3.08; P = 0.0008) and hospital admission (risk ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31-0.95; P = 0.03). But nebulized magnesium sulfate treatment shows no significant effect on respiratory function (standardized mean difference, 0.19; 95% CI, -0.01-0.40; P =

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adolescent
  • Asthma
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Magnesium Sulfate
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09