EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF CONTINUOUS ALBUTEROL NEBULIZATION IN CHILDREN WITH SEVERE STATUS-ASTHMATICUS

We prospectively examined the efficacy and safety of continuous albute rol nebulization (CAN) therapy for children diagnosed with impending r espiratory failure and status asthmaticus, Serum creatine phosphokinas e (CPK) levels were measured, and other factors associated with cardio toxicity were monitored, Seventeen patients (20 months to 17 years old ) were enrolled in the study. No chest pain, arrhythmias, or signs of clinical deterioration occurred in any patient receiving CAN, No study subject required therapy with isoproterenol or mechanical ventilation , An elevation of total serum CPK was found in three patients; however , only one of these patients had an elevated (positive) CPK-MB isoenzy me fraction, We feel that CAN is safe for use in children diagnosed wi th status asthmaticus. Monitoring of serum CPK enzymes during CAN ther apy is warranted until further studies have determined the significanc e of elevated CPK-MB isoenzymes in otherwise asymptomatic children tre ated for severe status asthmaticus.