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Owing to its ability to produce smooth muscle relaxation, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment for severe asthma. Researchers determined the feasibility and safety of high-dose MgSO4 infusion in a prospective cohort study of 57 patients (age range, 2–18 years) admitted to a single pediatric intensive care unit with status asthmaticus. At the treating physician's discretion, 19 patients received MgSO4 (bolus of 50–75 mg/kg followed by infusion of 40 mg/kg per hour for 4 hours, with dosing based on ideal body weight).
Three patients in the treatment group reported adverse effects possibly related to MgSO4 (nausea, vomiting, injection-site pain, flushing); however, these effects were not correlated with elevate…