Ipratropium Not Beneficial in Hospitalized Children with Asthma

β-agonists and corticosteroids are the main medications used to treat children who are hospitalized for status asthmaticus. Nebulized ipratropium bromide, a derivative of atropine, often . . .

β-agonists and corticosteroids are the main medications used to treat children who are hospitalized for status asthmaticus. Nebulized ipratropium bromide, a derivative of atropine, often is added to enhance recovery; in this randomized trial, investigators examined whether ipratropium confers additional therapeutic benefit.

A total of 210 children (age range, 1 to 18 years) who were admitted for status asthmaticus were treated under an asthma care algorithm, which called for nebulized albuterol and systemic corticosteroids at predetermined intervals. The intervention group received 250 μg of ipratropium added to albuterol; the control group received saline and albuterol. There were no differences between groups in mean length of hospital sta…

Reviewing Author

RA Dershewitz