| Meral A et al, 1996, Turkey | 40 paediatric patients (age 8–13) with asthmatic exacerbation randomised to nebulised salbutamol or nebulised magnesium sulphate | Prospective observational | PEFR | Higher PEFR values in the β agonist group at 5 min (p<0.01), 60 min (p<0.05) and at 360 min (p<0.01) | Small sample |
| Respiratory distress score | Unclear randomisation and blinding procedure Questionable outcome measure reliability and reproducibility Unknown exclusion inclusion criteria |
|
| Mangat HS et al, 1998, India | 33 patients (age 12–60) with asthma (new onset or exacerbation) randomised to nebulised salbutamol or nebulised magnesium sulphate | PRCT | PEFR Fischl index admission rate | No statistical difference between both groups (PEFR increase p = 0.34; Fischl index improvement p = 0.76) | Small sample size No power calculation Pre-treatment with corticosteroids Uncertain randomisation and blinding procedure |
|
| Nannini LJ, et al 2000, Argentina | 35 patients (aged >18, Av 40) with asthmatic exacerbation randomised to nebulised salbutamol/normal saline (placebo) or to nebulised salbutamol/magnesium sulphate | PRCT | PEFR (relative change) | Percentage increase in PEFR 30% and 60% higher in magnesium treated group at 10min (p<0.03) and 20min (p<0.04) respectively | Small sample size Unclear blinding procedure |
|
| Bessmertny O et al, 2002, USA | 80 patients (age 18–65) with asthma exacerbation randomised to nebulised salbuterol/normal saline (placebo) or nebulised salbuterol/magnesium sulphate | PRCT | FEV1 | No significant difference found between the groups | Sample group pre treatment Selection bias |
| 80 patients (age 18–65) with asthma exacerbation randomised to nebulised salbuterol/normal saline (placebo) or nebulised salbuterol/magnesium sulphate | | FEV1 | No significant difference found between the groups | Sample group pre-treatment. Selection bias |
|
| Hughes R et al, 2003, New Zealand | 52 patients (age 16–65) with severe asthma exacerbation randomised to nebulised salbutamol/normal saline (placebo) or nebulised salbutamol/magnesium sulphate | PRCT | FEV1 | Significant FEV1 improvement in magnesium treated group (p = 0.003) | Sample group pre-treatment. Selection bias. Uncertain randomisation procedure |