Effectiveness of magnesium sulfate as initial treatment of acute severe asthma in children, conducted in a tertiary-level university hospital: a randomized, controlled trial.

SUMMARY Introduction. Magnesium sulfate is a calcium an- tagonist that inhibits bronchial smooth muscle contraction promoting bronchodilation. It is used for the management of acute severe asthma in children; however most of the studies have been performed in adults. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of in- travenous magnesium sulfate for the treatment of pediatric patients with acute severe asthma exacerbations.