Asia Pacific allergy
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Asia Pacific allergy · Jan 2012
Magnesium sulfate for acute asthma in adults: a systematic literature review.
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO(4)) has been considered as an adjunct therapy for severe and life-threatening asthma exacerbation. The literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding magnesium therapy in acute exacerbation of adult asthma. A total of 16 trials and 4 meta-analyses were identified. ⋯ Additionally, results from 4 surveys were examined on the gaps between knowledge and practice, and on the barrier to the use of MgSO(4) at emergency departments. This literature review summarized the up-to-date evidence on the issues regarding the use of MgSO(4) for acute asthma. We expect more studies to be conducted for evidence making in the Asian-Pacific regions.