INTRAVENOUS THEOPHYLLINE IN PEDIATRIC STATUS-ASTHMATICUS - A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL

This study was conducted to determine whether intravenous theophylline , added to inhaled albuterol and intravenous methylprednisolone, provi des a clinically significant benefit in the treatment of pediatric sta tus asthmaticus. Patients aged 2 to 10 years were randomized to receiv e either intra venous theophylline or placebo, All patients received a erosolized albuterol and intravenous methylprednisolone. There was no difference between groups in the improvement of a clinical asthma scor e over time, in oxygen requirement, or in the number of albuterol trea tment required. Theophylline group patients experienced more nausea, e mesis, and insomnia. We conclude that there is no benefit in adding th eophylline to treatment with methylprednisolone and albuterol for pedi atric status asthmaticus. Furthermore, there are significantly more ad verse effects associated with the use of theophylline.